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Noninvasive ultrasound stimulation of spleen could lead to new treatments for inflammatory arthritis

Researchers have discovered that noninvasive daily ultrasound stimulation of the spleen in mice with inflammatory arthritis results in significantly less joint swelling compared to untreated mice. The study is a first step towards developing new treatment options for rheumatoid arthritis, an autoimmune disease affecting millions of peo...

SourceUniversity of Minnesota·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 14, 2019

Study finds ultrasound can assess bone health, increase early screening for osteoporosis

Researchers found ultrasound of the calcaneus to be equal to DXA data in assessing bone health, paving the way for widespread use of low-cost screenings for populations at risk. The findings support preventive lifestyle changes as the best approach to improving bone health and reducing osteoporosis risk.

SourceAmerican Osteopathic Association·JournalThe Journal of the American Osteopathic Association·DateFeb 25, 2019

Annals of Family Medicine media tip sheet

New research found that respiratory tract infections in children can persist for up to three weeks, with symptoms lasting longer in younger children and those with lower respiratory tract symptoms. The study also suggests that repeated flu vaccine immunization may enhance long-term protection against respiratory illness.

SourceAmerican Academy of Family Physicians·JournalThe Annals of Family Medicine·DateJan 22, 2019

Ultra ultrasound to transform new tech

Researchers at Swansea University have developed a new ultra-precise ultrasound sensor on a silicon chip, capable of detecting vibrations in living cells. This breakthrough technology may transform applications in medical devices, biomedical imaging, and spatial sensing for unmanned vehicles.

SourceSwansea University·JournalNature Communications·DateJan 16, 2019

Ultra ultrasound to transform new tech

Researchers at the University of Queensland have developed an ultra-sensitive ultrasound sensor on a silicon chip, revolutionizing medical devices and unmanned vehicle navigation. The technology can detect miniscule forces from surrounding air molecules, opening doors to new biomedical imaging and biological system understanding.

SourceUniversity of Queensland·JournalNature Communications·DateJan 15, 2019

Using sound to independently levitate a range of objects is achieved for the first time

Scientists develop acoustic tweezers capable of independently levitating a range of small-sized objects using sound waves. This technology offers several advantages over optical tweezers, including the ability to penetrate biological tissue safely and non-invasively, making it ideal for cell manipulation applications.

SourceElhuyar Fundazioa·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 19, 2018

Ultrasound helps predict the success of fistulas in individual dialysis patients

A new study suggests that ultrasound measurements after surgery can predict the likelihood of arteriovenous fistula maturation in individual dialysis patients. At 6 weeks after AVF creation, ultrasound measurements of AVF blood flow, diameter, and depth predicted future AVF maturation with moderate accuracy.

SourceAmerican Society of Nephrology·JournalJournal of the American Society of Nephrology·DateOct 11, 2018

Wearable ultrasound patch monitors blood pressure deep inside body

Researchers at the University of California - San Diego have developed a wearable ultrasound patch that can monitor central blood pressure in major arteries up to four centimeters below the skin. The device provides accurate, precise readings and has potential applications in real-time monitoring of patients with heart or lung disease.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalNature Biomedical Engineering·DateSep 12, 2018

Focused delivery for brain cancers

A novel technique developed by Hong Chen uses focused ultrasound to target drug delivery to the brainstem, bypassing the blood-brain barrier. This approach has shown promise in treating diffuse intrinsic pontine gliomas (DIPG), a childhood brain cancer with a five-year survival rate of less than three percent.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalJournal of Controlled Release·DateSep 4, 2018

Study defines mechanisms behind focused-ultrasound-assisted treatment of brain tumors

A study defines mechanisms behind focused-ultrasound-assisted treatment of brain tumors, improving drug delivery across the blood-brain barrier and into abnormal tumor tissues. The approach enhances permeability of endothelial cells lining tumor blood vessels, increasing cellular uptake of anti-cancer drugs.

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 27, 2018

Dolphin algorithm could lead to better medical ultrasounds

Researchers have developed an algorithm inspired by dolphin echolocation, which can disentangle overlapping signals and provide more precise information on object shape. This breakthrough technology could improve medical ultrasound imaging and measure organ membrane thickness, among other applications.

SourceLund University·JournalThe Journal of the Acoustical Society of America·DateMay 31, 2018

Why we need erasable MRI scans

Researchers have developed next-generation contrast agents that can be turned off using ultrasound, allowing for clearer MRI scans. The new technology relies on nanoscale structures called gas vesicles, which bounce back sound waves and react differently to magnetic fields.

SourceCalifornia Institute of Technology·JournalNature Materials·DateApr 25, 2018

Detailed images of tumor vasculature

The new technology, called Motion Model Ultrasound Localization Microscopy, allows for the tracking of individual microbubbles in real-time, enabling the reconstruction of fine vascular networks and monitoring of blood flow. This technique has potential applications in cancer treatment, particularly in sonoporation therapy.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalNature Communications·DateApr 18, 2018

Using ultrasound to help people walk again

A researcher at the University of Pittsburgh is using ultrasound imaging to develop a more precise interface between exoskeletons and individual muscles in people with incomplete spinal cord injuries. This technology aims to provide more efficient rehabilitation tools, reducing the risk of falls during robot-assisted walking.

New optical modules could improve thyroid cancer screening

Researchers developed a point-of-care device that simultaneously probes patient hemodynamics, chemical constitution, and anatomy to diagnose thyroid nodules. The device uses near-infrared time-resolve spectroscopy and diffuse correlation spectroscopy to collect tissue data, promising improved accuracy and reduced costs.

SourceOptica·DateMar 19, 2018

Preeclampsia screening method found superior to current tests

Researchers have developed a more accurate way to screen for preeclampsia, a condition affecting 2-3% of pregnancies, which can lead to serious health effects for both mother and child. The new screening method uses biomarkers to identify high-risk women, resulting in increased detection rates for preterm-PE by up to 82%.

SourceWiley·JournalUltrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology·DateMar 14, 2018

New method for waking up devices

Researchers at Stanford University have developed a wake-up receiver that uses ultrasonic signals to turn on devices, extending battery life. The technology has potential applications in designing the next generation of networked devices, including 'smart' devices that can communicate directly with each other without human intervention.

Acoustic nanomotors

Scientists successfully use ultrasound to propel gold nanowires carrying the Cas9-sgRNA complex across cell membranes, enabling targeted gene knockout. The system is simple and requires minimal payload, making it a promising therapeutic approach for cancer treatment.

SourceWiley·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateFeb 9, 2018

American Institute of Ultrasound in Medicine (AIUM) takes steps to improve the quality of ultrasound imaging in obstetrics and gynecology

The American Institute of Ultrasound in Medicine (AIUM) has developed a roadmap for improving the quality of ultrasound imaging in obstetrics and gynecology. A consensus curriculum and competency assessment tools have been established to standardize ultrasound training in residency programs, aiming to enhance patient safety and quality...

SourceElsevier·JournalAmerican Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology·DateJan 3, 2018