Articles tagged with Ultrasound
Researchers developed a method to process ultrasound data in small, handheld instruments that can provide fast and convenient medical information. This technology could enable people with muscular dystrophy to monitor the effectiveness of their medication on a smartphone.
A small study found that ultrasound biofeedback was effective in correcting 'r' speech errors when children were allowed to make different shapes with their tongues. The treatment involved using ultrasound images as a guide for tongue manipulation and adjustments to achieve better pronunciation of the sound.
A new virtual breast test using ultrasound elastography could significantly improve cancer detection accuracy, especially for women with suspicious mammograms.
The new underwater robot is designed to inspect ships for false hulls and propeller shafts that smugglers use to hide contraband. With its unique propulsion mechanism and ability to perform ultrasound scans without surface contact, the robot could revolutionize port security.
A study found that patients and healthcare professionals are willing to accept high rates of false-positives in cancer screening tests in exchange for increased diagnostic sensitivity. This means they are more likely to undergo unnecessary testing, such as radiologic or invasive follow-up tests, than accurate but inconclusive results.
A new study published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that CT scans are no more accurate than ultrasound exams in diagnosing painful kidney stones. The study suggests that ultrasound should be used as the first step in diagnosis, avoiding unnecessary radiation exposure.
The international standards provide a common set of criteria for healthy growth, allowing for early detection of underweight and overweight babies. This enables targeted nutritional support and treatment to prevent infant mortality and long-term health problems.
Researchers used ultrasound to monitor chitosan nerve conduits in rats, revealing unsatisfactory complications and degradation modes. This non-invasive technique enhances the assessment of nerve conduit outcomes, advancing peripheral nerve tissue engineering.
Researchers at Columbia University School of Engineering and Applied Science have developed a new non-invasive technique using acoustic pressure to control the size of molecules penetrating the blood-brain barrier. This breakthrough may help improve localized brain drug delivery for treatment of central nervous system diseases like Par...
The study found that skull-base heating can result in hazardous temperature elevations when sonications are performed close to the skull-base. Three new methods to counteract this phenomenon were developed. Additionally, the formation of standing-waves is greatly reduced with specifically designed large-area ultrasound transducers.
Researchers at NIST have clocked nanorods spinning up to 150,000 revolutions per minute, 10 times faster than any other nanoscale object in liquid. This discovery has opened up potential uses for nanomotors in medical treatments and industrial processes.
Researchers developed a hydrogel that releases chemotherapy drugs in short bursts triggered by ultrasound, improving cancer treatment outcomes. The self-healing gel approach offers a more effective and minimally invasive method for delivering drugs at the right place and time.
A new study suggests cranial ultrasound is more sensitive and equally specific as temporal artery biopsy in diagnosing giant cell arteritis. The test has high predictive accuracy, making it a promising replacement for the current gold standard.
Researchers at the University of Michigan have developed a device that converts terahertz light into sound, enabling efficient detection and imaging in fields like airport security, medical imaging, and astronomy. The system is compact, sensitive, and works at room temperature.
A study found that breast tomosynthesis in diagnostic workup reduced use of ultrasound and biopsies, with higher positive predictive value for cancer compared to 2D mammography. The technology resulted in less need for additional imaging exams.
A Mayo Clinic study found that ultrasound images of underarm lymph nodes are more accurate in overweight and obese breast cancer patients than in those with a normal body mass index. The research suggests that soft fatty tissue can be compressed during ultrasounds, leading to better specificity and accuracy for these patients.
Researchers developed a new ultrasound device that can identify vulnerable arterial plaques, which are more likely to break off and cause heart attacks or strokes. The device uses dual-frequency intravascular ultrasound technology to detect contrast agents, making it easier to highlight vulnerable plaques on ultrasound images.
A new study suggests that lung ultrasound can accurately detect pulmonary edema in pregnant women with preeclampsia, allowing for timely intervention and reducing the risk of respiratory failure. This non-invasive test has the potential to improve patient outcomes and reduce mortality rates associated with preeclampsia.
Researchers from UCLA have updated guidelines for managing skin abscesses associated with community-acquired MRSA. The new guidelines focus on improving diagnostic accuracy and treatment options, including the use of ultrasound and preferred antibiotics like trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole and doxycycline.
A clinical trial identified women most likely to benefit from vaginal mesh surgery for vaginal prolapse, specifically those with levator avulsion. The study found that patients with this condition had a higher risk of recurrence after sacrospinous vaginal colpopexy, making vaginal mesh implantation a viable alternative.
Researchers developed a catheter-based device with volumetric imaging, enabling better guidance for surgeons in the heart. The device, integrating ultrasound transducers with processing electronics on a single chip, allows for real-time 3-D images and significantly improves patient outcomes.
Using point-of-care ultrasound for suspected appendicitis in kids has been shown to reduce emergency room length of stay by 46% and avoid unnecessary CT scans. The study found no cases of appendicitis were missed, and surgeons became more comfortable using ultrasound for decision-making.
Researchers at UNC School of Medicine have developed a new ultrasound imaging technique that can visualize tumors using a contrast agent composed of tiny bubbles paired with an antibody. This method improves resolution and tumor-detecting ability, potentially leading to lower costs and increased accessibility for cancer treatment.
The UCSF team will use the funding to expand clinical testing of the Smart Diaphragm, a wireless monitoring system that detects early signs of preterm birth. The device aims to prevent or delay preterm labor by tracking microscopic changes in cervical tissue.
A new focused ultrasound exam has been shown to accurately identify athletes with undetected cardiovascular conditions, reducing the risk of sudden cardiac death. The Early Screening for Cardiovascular Abnormalities With Preparticipation Echocardiography (ESCAPE) protocol could become the sports medicine physical of the future.
Experts argue that stethoscopes may become obsolete due to the rapid advancement of point-of-care ultrasound technology, which has improved image quality, reduced cost, and increased portability. The shift towards ultrasound is driven by its ability to diagnose heart and lung problems with greater accuracy than traditional stethoscopes.
Studies demonstrate the utility of ultrasound in emergency medicine, yielding rapid and accurate diagnoses. Clinician-performed cardiac ultrasound has been shown to improve prognostic value, with significant correlation between GP and cardiologist measurements.
Early ultrasound training can enhance diagnostic skills and detect life-threatening conditions like cardiac tamponade. Medical students performed better in detecting valvular disease, left ventricular hypertrophy, and cardiac dysfunction using ultrasounds compared to trained cardiologists.
A new study demonstrates that ultrasound directed to a specific region of the human brain can enhance sensory perception. The technique showed significant improvements in distinguishing pins at closer distances and detecting small frequency differences.
A new device developed at the University of Washington is testing the use of low-power ultrasound to move small kidney stones, potentially reducing pain and treatment times. The technology has been tested on artificial kidneys and pigs before moving to human trials, with promising results.
Researchers develop a new method of wirelessly recharging medical device batteries with ultrasound, offering a safe and efficient means of wireless power transmission. The technology has been tested in animal tissue and demonstrated promising results.
A new technique uses nanoparticles and ultrasound to regulate blood sugar levels in diabetics, potentially eliminating the need for insulin injections. The method involves injecting biocompatible nanoparticles into the skin, which are then activated by a small ultrasound device to release insulin painlessly.
Researchers in China's Nanjing University have designed a novel acoustic diode that could provide brighter and clearer ultrasound images by eliminating acoustic disturbances. The device, which uses a near-Zero Index Metamaterial, achieves one-way transmission of sound waves, crucial for medical ultrasound applications.
Researchers found that bedside ultrasound reduced x-ray usage by 5 times and CT scans by 3.5 times, without affecting mortality rates or health outcomes. This cost-effective alternative is a significant improvement over traditional imaging methods.
Researchers at UTHealth successfully tested a hands-free ultrasound device combined with clot-busting drug tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) in ischemic stroke patients, showing promising results. The device improved outcomes by 65% and enabled some patients to recover without significant disability.
A hands-free ultrasound device combined with a clot-busting drug was safe and effective in treating ischemic stroke patients, with 65% returning home or to rehabilitation. The technology opens up more arteries in the brain, helping stroke patients recover, according to researchers.
New diagnostic thresholds published in the New England Journal of Medicine aim to balance ultrasound use and ensure accuracy in diagnosing viable pregnancies. The guidelines suggest raising gestational sac size limits and improving blood test reliability to prevent misdiagnosis.
A definitive imaging study has found no connection between vein narrowing and multiple sclerosis, challenging the controversial CCSVI theory. Venous narrowing was present in over two-thirds of people with MS, their siblings, and healthy volunteers, but differences were not statistically significant.
A recent 'gold standard' imaging study found no significant difference in rates of venous narrowing among people with MS, their unaffected siblings, and unrelated individuals. The study suggests that chronic cerebrospinal venous insufficiency (CCSVI) is not a valid theory for multiple sclerosis.
UltraHaptics allows users to experience multi-point haptic feedback above an interactive surface without touching a device. The system projects tactile sensations through a screen and directly onto the user's hands using ultrasonic vibrations.
A clinical trial aims to determine the optimal timing of delivery for preterm pregnancies complicated by poor fetal growth. The study compares three groups and shows better-than-expected health outcomes for the babies, with low mortality rates and minimal severe health issues.
A new screening strategy for ovarian cancer has shown high specificity in detecting the disease before it becomes lethal. The two-stage approach incorporates changes in a blood protein called CA125 and has been found to have a positive predictive value of 40% for invasive ovarian cancer.
Researchers found three ultrasound nodule characteristics associated with thyroid cancer risk: microcalcifications, size >2cm, and solid composition. Adopting a stringent approach requiring two abnormal nodule characteristics could reduce unnecessary biopsies while maintaining low cancer risk.
A multicenter trial found that BI-RADS 3 breast lesions have a malignancy rate of 0.8%, with most cancers detected at 12-month follow-up imaging. The study suggests that extending the follow-up interval from six to 12 months for these lesions may reduce unnecessary biopsies and exams.
A McMaster University study published in PLOS ONE found no abnormalities in the veins of MS patients, contradicting a popular CCSVI theory. The research examined 100 MS patients and 100 healthy controls, using ultrasound and MRI to test for venous blockages.
Researchers found that a non-invasive ultrasound treatment can prevent acute kidney injury in mice by stimulating an anti-inflammatory response. The therapy, which uses sound waves to activate the immune system, showed promise as a potential prevention method for patients at risk of kidney damage after surgery.
A new ultrasound patch has been shown to significantly accelerate healing in patients with venous ulcers, a type of chronic wound that affects millions. The patch, developed by researchers at Drexel University, delivers low-frequency ultrasound directly to wounds and was found to reduce wound size in just four weeks.
Researchers at McGill University have discovered a method to join nanoparticles together using ultrasound, forming strong agglomerates without changing their useful properties. This discovery could lead to the development of new hybrid materials with various everyday applications, such as improving catalytic converters in car exhausts.
The new report provides detailed criteria to optimize the use of noninvasive vascular tests in patients with venous disorders. Vascular testing is essential for diagnosing conditions like deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism, which can be fatal if left untreated.
University of Arizona researchers have discovered that ultrasound waves applied to specific areas of the brain can alter patients' moods. The study, led by Dr. Stuart Hameroff, found improvements in mood for up to 40 minutes following treatment with brain ultrasound, compared to no difference when the machine was switched off.
Dr. Partho Sengupta presented the first-ever hologram presentation at the ASE's 2013 24th Annual Scientific Sessions, utilizing 3D digital images and expert interview recordings to analyze cardiovascular system structure, function, and flow patterns. This innovative presentation format was made possible through collaborative efforts of...
Researchers at Henry Ford Hospital have successfully integrated robotic ultrasound into kidney cancer surgery, providing direct control for the surgeon. This technology has been shown to reduce the need for assistant guidance and improve precision in measuring tumors from certain angles.
A new study finds that certain hawkmoth species produce ultrasonic sound as a defense against bats. The researchers used high-energy lamps and pre-recorded bat sounds to capture the insects' behavior, revealing a system that jams the echolocation ability of their predators.
A new non-invasive prenatal test detecting fetal DNA in pregnant women's blood accurately identifies Down's syndrome and other genetic abnormalities. Routine screening using this test is superior to current methods, offering a reliable alternative for early detection.
Research by Iowa State University engineers found that ultrasound consistently enhances biomass conversion into high-value fuels and chemicals. The technology also accelerates lignin removal, hydrolysis of corn starch, and transesterification, leading to faster production times and potentially significant cost savings.
A new research study from Fox Chase Cancer Center presents a breakthrough in pain relief for patients with bone metastases. The MR-guided focused ultrasound technique shows promise in providing quick and largely tolerable side effects relief, with most patients reporting significant improvement within three days.
Researchers at the University of Cincinnati have discovered a novel delivery method for the enzyme plasmin, which is more effective at dissolving blood clots than the standard treatment rt-PA. The new technique uses liposomes and ultrasound waves to target plasmin directly to the clot.
Scientists at the University of Strathclyde have identified the greater wax moth as capable of sensing sound frequencies up to 300kHz, surpassing human and dolphin limitations. This discovery has significant implications for air-coupled ultrasound technology and may lead to advancements in micro-scale acoustic systems.
Researchers developed phase shift nanoemulsions that produce tiny microbubbles, which accumulate in tumors and amplify the effects of ultrasound. This reduces treatment time and power needed to destroy tumor tissue by over half, showing promise for improving cancer therapy.
The Journal of Therapeutic Ultrasound marks a significant milestone in the field, focusing on translational and clinical research. This open-access journal aims to accelerate the adoption of therapeutic ultrasound as a clinical tool for treating various medical disorders.