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Yale scientists develop 'gas gauge' to prevent pregnancy loss

Researchers at Yale School of Medicine have developed an equation to measure the volume of the placenta, providing a reliable way to monitor fetal growth and prevent pregnancy loss. The 'Estimated Placenta Volume' (EPV) test has shown accuracy of up to 89%, with potential to become routine for pregnant women.

SourceYale University·JournalAmerican Journal of Perinatology·DateAug 2, 2009

Classifying 'clicks'

Researchers used high-speed ultrasound imaging to categorize N|uu clicks, a series of consonants distinct to southern Africa's Kalahari Desert. This breakthrough could change how linguists describe click languages and aid speech scientists in understanding speech production.

SourceU.S. National Science Foundation·JournalJournal of the International Phonetic Association·DateJul 15, 2009

GIE: Gastrointestinal Endoscopy June issue study highlights

A study published in GIE: Gastrointestinal Endoscopy examined polyp detection rates at screening colonoscopy and identified factors contributing to variability. Procedure time was found to be significantly associated with polyp detection rates across all models, indicating the need for quality standards for colonoscopy performance.

SourceAmerican Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy·JournalGastrointestinal Endoscopy·DateJun 29, 2009

What should a teenage girl do if she finds a lump in her breast?

A recent study published in the American Journal of Roentgenology suggests that breast ultrasound examinations can eliminate the need for excisional biopsies in many cases. The study found that 15 out of 21 lumps were benign and did not require biopsy, highlighting the potential benefit of using ultrasound as a diagnostic tool.

SourceLoyola Medicine·JournalAmerican Journal of Roentgenology·DateJun 25, 2009

Autonomous robot detects shrapnel

Researchers at Duke University developed a laboratory robot that can detect tiny pieces of metal within flesh using 3D ultrasound technology. The robot successfully guided a needle to its location without human assistance, paving the way for potential treatments of shrapnel injuries and medical procedures like prostate cancer treatment.

Ultrasound more cost efficient than other medical imaging choices

A literature review published in Journal of Diagnostic Medical Sonography concludes that ultrasound provides accurate diagnoses at a lower cost than MRI and CT scans. The study's findings highlight the widespread adoption of ultrasound in various clinical settings, including obstetrics, cardiology, and emergency medicine.

SourceSAGE·JournalJournal of Diagnostic Medical Sonography·DateMay 20, 2009

Can EUS elastography help distinguish benign from malignant tissue?

A multicenter study found EUS elastography to be highly sensitive and specific in distinguishing benign from malignant tissue, with a sensitivity of 92.3% for pancreatic lesions and 91.8% for lymph nodes. The technique may help characterize pancreatic masses after negative EUS-FNA and increase the yield of EUS-FNA for lymph nodes.

SourceWorld Journal of Gastroenterology·JournalWorld Journal of Gastroenterology·DateApr 15, 2009

Research yields new clues to how we locate objects in space

Researchers at Carnegie Mellon University developed a novel ultrasound display that allows doctors to view images within the object being scanned, reducing the need for visualization. This innovation improves accuracy in surgeries guided by ultrasound technology, which relies on combining direct perception and visualization.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalCurrent Directions in Psychological Science·DateJan 12, 2009

Pediatric obesity may alter thyroid function and structure

A new study finds that pediatric obesity can alter thyroid function and structure, with a potential link between fat excess and thyroid tissue modification. Thyroid function returns to normal after weight loss, but the persistence of abnormalities in obese children may progress into chronic disease in early adulthood.

SourceThe Endocrine Society·JournalThe Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism·DateDec 3, 2008

Study: Even occasional smoking can impair arteries

A new University of Georgia study found that even occasional cigarette smoking can decrease arterial responsiveness by up to 36% in young, healthy adults. Repeated bouts of smoking further impaired flow-mediated dilation, indicating a potential long-term risk for cardiovascular disease.

SourceUniversity of Georgia·JournalUltrasound in Medicine & Biology·DateOct 7, 2008

Research highlights problems of predicting birthweights in obese mothers

The study found that the gestation-adjusted projection method (GAP) produced impressive results, accurately predicting birth weights in over 90% of cases. The GAP method uses ultrasound measurements and a mathematical formula to determine whether the baby is larger than average size for its gestational age.

SourceWiley·JournalUltrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology·DateJul 9, 2008

Sound medicine

Scientists are exploring the use of sound waves to assess atherosclerotic plaques, monitor chronic liver disease, and deliver drugs to specific locations in the body. Researchers have also developed new techniques for treating cancer, including minimally invasive thermal ablation methods and microbubbles-based therapies.

Kylie's breast cancer triggered a surge of over 30 percent in breast imaging of low-risk women

A new study from the University of Melbourne found that Kylie Minogue's breast cancer diagnosis led to a significant increase in breast imaging and biopsies among low-risk women, particularly those aged 25-34. Despite the surge in screening activity, the rates of breast cancer detection did not change significantly.

SourceUniversity of Melbourne·JournalInternational Journal of Epidemiology·DateJun 4, 2008

Sounding out Congo Red

Researchers have developed an approach to degrading Congo Red using ultrasound technology, transforming it into less toxic intermediates. This method combines the power of sonolysis with conventional industrial waste water biodegradation treatment, effectively removing the color and reducing toxicity from dye-contaminated effluent.

SourceInderscience Publishers·JournalInternational Journal of Environment and Waste Management·DateMay 6, 2008

First steps toward autonomous robot surgeries

Researchers at Duke University have made significant advancements in autonomous robot surgeries, demonstrating the feasibility of robots performing complex procedures under real-time 3-D ultrasound guidance. The technology has the potential to improve patient safety by reducing radiation exposure and enhancing surgeon precision.

New 3-D ultrasound could improve stroke diagnosis, care

Researchers at Duke University have developed a new 3-D ultrasound technology that can see in real-time the arteries within the brain, improving stroke diagnosis and care. The technology uses advanced imaging techniques to compensate for the thickness and unevenness of the skull, allowing for faster and more accurate diagnoses.

SourceDuke University·JournalUltrasound in Medicine & Biology·DateApr 24, 2008

High-energy ultrasound sharpens view of liver tumors

Researchers at Duke University developed a high-energy form of ultrasound imaging that produces clearer images of liver tumors. The Acoustic Radiation Force Impulse (ARFI) method uses sound waves to push on tissues, capturing their elasticity and stiffness, which can help distinguish between hard and soft tumors.

SourceDuke University·JournalPhysics in Medicine and Biology·DateJan 7, 2008

Transcutaneous cervical esophageal ultrasound can not substitute for 24-h pH monitoring or manometry

The study found that transcutaneous cervical esophageal ultrasound (TCEUS) is not a substitute for 24-hour pH monitoring or manometry in diagnosing gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and esophageal motor disorders. TCEUS can aid in estimating GER and motility disorders, but it cannot replace these established diagnostic methods.

SourceWorld Journal of Gastroenterology·JournalWorld Journal of Gastroenterology·DateOct 9, 2007