Articles tagged with Ultrasound
Researchers have made a significant breakthrough in predicting heart attacks and strokes by developing a non-invasive method using super-resolution ultrasound imaging. The technology aims to detect high-risk atherosclerotic plaques that are prone to rupture, allowing doctors to prescribe life-saving interventions.
Researchers at the University of Nottingham have developed a groundbreaking technology to measure the microscopic elasticity of materials. By analyzing the speed of sound across the material's surface, they can reveal the orientation and inherent stiffness of small crystals, which is essential for material performance.
The American Roentgen Ray Society has awarded two 2022 ARRS Scholarships to Sean Woolen and Bradley Allen, providing a total of $180,000 in funding for their radiological research projects. The scholarships aim to advance emerging scholars and prepare them for leadership positions.
Salk researchers have engineered mammalian cells to be activated using ultrasound, a method that paves the way toward non-invasive versions of deep brain stimulation, pacemakers, and insulin pumps. The team found a protein called TRPA1, known for its role in responding to noxious compounds, which also opens in response to ultrasound.
Researchers found that 30% of fetuses who later developed ASD had heart, kidney, and head anomalies detected during routine prenatal ultrasounds. These anomalies were more common in girls and linked to the severity of ASD. The study suggests that doctors can use these signs to evaluate the probability of a child being born with ASD.
Cedars-Sinai OB-GYN experts present research on improving preeclampsia detection through AI-powered analysis of electronic health records. They also explore the relationship between incomplete information on vaccine side effects and COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy, highlighting the need for targeted preventive therapies. Furthermore, the te...
Samuel Galgano and Pankaj Gupta have been named the 2022 Melvin M. Figley Fellow in Radiology Journalism and the 2022 Lee F. Rogers International Fellow in Radiology Journalism, respectively. They will attend the 2022 ARRS Annual Meeting and participate in the Editor’s Forum.
Researchers at GIST demonstrate that ultrasound pulses can reduce β-amyloid plaque concentration and tau protein levels in AD-model mice, suggesting a promising non-invasive therapeutic strategy. The treatment also improves brain connectivity without causing harm to brain tissue.
A prospective observational study found that preoperative shear wave elastography (SWE) can predict successful rotator cuff repair. SWE-derived elasticity was higher in patients with insufficient repair, and the elasticity ratio independently predicted insufficient repair.
Researchers have developed a technique that analyzes cell-free RNA in a mother's blood to predict healthy pregnancy outcomes and detect potential complications like preeclampsia. The approach showed promise in identifying patterns of gene expression associated with a healthy pregnancy and predicting preeclampsia risk with high accuracy.
A recent study published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology found that fetal MRI can detect at least one other abnormality in almost 57% of fetuses with heart defects. Additionally, approximately a quarter of all fetuses had structural brain abnormalities, regardless of the severity of the heart defect.
A new study published in Science Advances has shown that transcranial ultrasound (TUS) can disrupt the brain's credit assignment processes, leading to more exploratory decisions. The study also found that TUS selectively alters behavior without affecting other brain regions.
A prospective study found that ultrasound alone adequately completed the diagnostic evaluation of 71.2% of noncalcified lesions, diagnosed 92.1% of cancers, and yielded a sensitivity of 94.9%. Radiologists should consider performing ultrasound first for digital breast tomosynthesis-recalled noncalcified masses.
Researchers have developed a CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing system to enhance the effectiveness of sonodynamic therapy, allowing tumors to be effectively shrunk in a mouse model of liver cancer. The technology reduces antioxidant defense systems, increasing cancer cell death from the treatment.
Researchers use speaker shakers to generate vibrations in a plate, creating sound waves that constructively interfere at the target minifigure. The focused energy knocks over the single Lego minifig without disrupting the surrounding minifigs.
Researchers have developed microbubbles that can acoustically detect blood oxygen levels, showing a strong correlation between oxygen concentration and acoustic bubble response. This innovation has the potential to benefit medicine and imaging by evaluating oxygen-deprived regions of tumors and in the brain.
Researchers developed an AI method to correct speed of sound aberrations in photoacoustic images, resulting in improved image quality and resolution. The technique reduced streak artifacts by up to 5% and increased signal-to-noise ratio by about 25 decibels.
A new trial shows that the novel surgical device venous external support (VEST) may improve outcomes of coronary bypass grafting using leg veins by preventing intimal hyperplasia, a key factor in vein graft failure.
A noninvasive diagnostic method, sonobiopsy, has been developed to detect brain tumors with improved sensitivity. The method uses focused ultrasound to target tumors and injects microbubbles that release biomarkers into the bloodstream.
A new study found that low-dose CT scans are as accurate as standard-dose scans in diagnosing appendicitis and differentiating between uncomplicated and complicated cases. This breakthrough could lead to reduced radiation exposure for young patients, improving treatment outcomes.
Researchers at Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre have successfully delivered antibody therapy to breast cancer metastases in the brain using focused ultrasound. The treatment, which temporarily opens the blood-brain barrier, has shown promising results with tumor size reductions of up to 21% in patients.
Researchers at KTH Royal Institute of Technology developed an ultrasound-assisted extraction method for valuable metals from electric car batteries, reducing extraction time by 50% and increasing metal ion recovery. The new process uses gentler acids and eliminates the need for harsh chemicals.
A prospective study found that liver stiffness measurements obtained by shear-wave elastography decreased significantly after image-guided intervention for chronic Budd-Chiari syndrome in children. Disease recurrence was typically associated with an increase in liver stiffness measurements compared to prior assessments.
Researchers developed a non-toxic, small-molecule probe that provides real-time visualization of disease progression, overcoming limitations of MRI and PET imaging. The probe binds copper ions and detects dysregulated levels, accurately identifying Wilson's disease and other maladies.
A new study shows an artificial intelligence tool improved radiologists' ability to correctly identify breast cancer in ultrasound exams, with a 37% increase in accuracy. The tool also reduced the number of tissue samples needed to confirm suspect tumors by 27%.
A new AI system developed by NYU and NYU Abu Dhabi researchers achieves radiologist-level accuracy in identifying breast cancer in ultrasound images. The system helps decrease false-positive findings and requested biopsies while maintaining sensitivity.
A recent study published in AJR found that gallbladder polyps can fluctuate significantly in size and number over time. The authors suggest revising guidelines to reflect this variability, with no cases of gallbladder carcinoma identified in patients who underwent cholecystectomy.
High-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) technology is being explored for its potential to destroy cancerous tumours while minimizing damage to healthy tissue. Researchers at the University of Waterloo have made significant progress in understanding how HIFU works on a cellular level, paving the way for future clinical trials.
Researchers at UC San Diego developed a cancer immunotherapy that pairs ultrasound with CAR T-cell therapy to destroy malignant tumors while sparing normal tissue. The therapy significantly slowed down tumor growth in mice and showed minimal on-target, off-tumor side effects.
A new ultrasonic method improves fetal weight prediction accuracy by analyzing three-dimensional limb volumes and abdominal circumferences. The algorithm outperforms traditional formulas in predicting macrosomia and birth weights.
Scientists from Tokyo Metropolitan University have created a technology that allows objects to be lifted off reflective surfaces without physical contact using sound waves. They employed a hemispherical array of ultrasound transducers to generate a 3D acoustic field, stably trapping and lifting a small polystyrene ball.
A soft and stretchy ultrasound patch can monitor blood flow and heart function in real-time, detecting cardiovascular conditions like strokes and heart attacks. The patch is non-invasive and can penetrate deep tissue depths, providing a more comprehensive picture of internal organs.
Researchers developed a tapered fiber optoacoustic emitter (TFOE) for non-genetic photoacoustic neural stimulation at the single cell level. The technology achieves high spatial resolution and optoacoustic conversion efficiency, allowing for precise control over neuron activity patterns.
Penn State researchers have developed an imaging technique that can not only identify but also potentially treat deep vein thrombosis by breaking down blood clots. The particles used in the technique bind to activated platelets and inhibit further clot growth, disrupting the clot or inhibiting its mechanism to persist.
A prospective study found that returning to routine screening for BI-RADS 3 lesions on supplemental automated whole-breast ultrasound substantially reduces the recall rate, with no increase in adverse outcomes. The study involved 2,257 women and showed a 3.8% recall rate, 0.5% biopsy rate, and 58.3% positive biopsy rate.
Researchers at Imperial College London have created a metal-based molecule that inhibits the build-up of amyloid-β peptides associated with Alzheimer's disease. The molecule was shown to be non-toxic to human brain-like cells and cross the blood-brain barrier in mice using focused ultrasound.
Researchers at the University of Queensland have found that low-intensity ultrasound can effectively restore cognition without crossing the blood-brain barrier in mice models. The findings provide a potential new avenue for non-invasive treatment and will help clinicians tailor medical treatments to individual disease progressions.
A robot system with a digital twin uses intra-operative ultrasound to guide cardiac surgeons, improving their view of the patient without radiation exposure. The platform can assist less experienced operators and aid in pre-planning and real-time control.
Researchers summarize the mechanism of ultrasound neuromodulation, which uses focused ultrasound to regulate neural circuits. The treatment shows promise for treating various neurological disorders, including epilepsy and depression, with potential for future developments in genetic engineering or nanotechnology.
Researchers discovered non-reciprocal propagation in polarization-maintaining optical fibers due to ultrasound interaction. This phenomenon enhances sensing measurements and signal processing beyond the fiber's boundaries, opening new possibilities for advanced sensor networks.
Researchers at Fralin Biomedical Research Institute will advance noninvasive brain and cancer treatments with the new MRI-guided focused ultrasound facility. The technology, already used to treat movement disorders and solid tumors, aims to deliver precise energy to alleviate symptoms associated with neurodegenerative disorders.
A study found that using ultrasound to monitor lung congestion in hemodialysis patients with high cardiovascular risk improved patient outcomes. The technique reduced episodes of decompensated heart failure and cardiovascular events by 37% and 63%, respectively.
Abbreviated lung ultrasound protocols show similar diagnostic sensitivity to 28-zone studies, suggesting they can efficiently diagnose volume overload. Researchers found no mortality differences between patients with mild and moderate-to-severe pulmonary congestion.
Researchers at Aalto University developed a new audio technique that allows people to track bats in flight and localise sources of ultrasonic sound, enabling super-hearing. The device records ultrasound using microphones on a small sphere, pitch-shifts the signal, and plays it back through headphones.
Researchers investigate acoustic analysis of underlying tissue in this groundbreaking study, revealing a small but quantifiable impact of superficial tattoos on acoustic responses. The findings suggest near-vertical transitions between areas of different sound speeds cause artifacts in ultrasound images.
The LUCA device, a low-cost near-infrared optical device combined with ultrasound, has shown potential in identifying benign or malignant thyroid nodules. Clinical tests demonstrated a 100% sensitivity and 77% specificity in classifying nodules as clear cases or those requiring further diagnosis.
A new brain stimulation technique, sonothermogenetics, has been developed by combining ultrasound and genetics to activate specific neurons in the brain.
Placental bulge sign on prenatal ultrasound or MRI significantly aids diagnosis of severe placenta accreta spectrum disorder, warranting hysterectomy over conservative management. The sign's accuracy and sensitivity are notable, making it a valuable tool for maternal counseling.
Researchers found that widely used SRU Consensus Criteria overestimated ICA stenosis severity. New criteria propose increasing peak systolic velocity thresholds and requiring higher PSV ratios for accurate diagnosis.
Researchers at UCSF have developed a method to detect complex fetal heart defects in utero, improving detection rates from 30-50% to 95%. The technique combines routine ultrasound imaging with machine learning computer tools to mimic clinicians' tasks.
A pilot clinical trial is underway to evaluate the efficacy of ultrasound stimulation in reducing COVID-19-related inflammation. The study, called UNITE Study, will recruit 40 patients with severe symptoms and compare the treatment group's recovery time to a control group receiving standard medical care.
Researchers created a tiny, wireless chip that uses ultrasound to monitor body processes, enabling the development of miniaturized implantable medical devices. The team achieved volumetric efficiency with their design, paving the way for chips that can be injected into the body and communicate wirelessly.
Researchers at George Mason University are developing a wearable adhesive ultrasound sensor for biofeedback and rehabilitation following musculoskeletal injuries. The proposed technology allows for dynamic assessment of movement and functional measures, enabling personalized treatment plans to reduce recovery times.
Point-of-care ultrasonography significantly improves diagnostic accuracy in patients with acute dyspnea, allowing for quicker diagnosis and treatment initiation. The technology involves mobile ultrasound devices that enable rapid scanning of multiple organs, including lungs, hearts, and leg veins.
A team of researchers has developed a delivery system for RNA-based therapy in brain tumors using ultrasound and nanoparticles. The technique allows for increased tumor cell death and reduced harmful protein production, with potential for minimal side effects.
A team of scientists has developed a phonon probe that uses optical fibers to create high-resolution 3D images of biological cells and tissue. The device achieves lateral resolution of 2.5 μm and can measure object height with 45 nm precision, opening up new possibilities for non-destructive diagnostics.
A new ultrasound technique has been developed to detect fetal circulation problems in the placenta, allowing for earlier diagnosis and potential prevention of harm to the fetus. The study found that 16 women out of 40 tested had placentas with fetal circulation problems.
Researchers at Carnegie Mellon University have developed a new noninvasive therapy using low-intensity focused ultrasound that can target specific cell types in the brain. The technology has shown promise in treating conditions such as Parkinson's Disease, epilepsy and insomnia.
Professor Ullsperger and his team aim to understand the neural mechanisms behind cognitive control and decision-making using new methods, including brain stimulation with focused ultrasound. The research may lead to new therapeutic possibilities for psychiatric disorders such as OCD.
A team of engineers is exploring new methods to focus ultrasound waves through the skull, offering a safer and less expensive alternative to MRI technology. The researchers are also investigating how vibrations and waves across different frequencies can be used to extract information from or focus energy on the brain.