New Atlas

Science Audio available

New "ultra" ultrasound is sensitive enough to hear individual bacteria

Michael Irving January 17, 2019

Ultrasound technology might be about to get a whole lot more powerful. Researchers have developed an “ultra” ultrasound sensor that is so sensitive it can hear air molecules moving around or the vibrations of individual cells.

The new "Ultra" ultrasound uses a silica microdisk, similar to the one in this scanning electron ...

Medical Audio available

Breakthrough ultrasound treatment to reverse dementia moves to human trials

Rich Haridy December 18, 2018

A new technique using ultrasound to clear the toxic protein clumps thought to cause dementia and Alzheimer’s disease is moving to the first phase of human trials next year. The treatment has proven successful across animal tests and presents an exciting, drug-free way to potentially battle dementia.

The first phase of human trials for a promising ultrasound treatment for dementia is set to ...

Environment Audio available

System uses ultrasound to keep bats away from wind turbines

Ben Coxworth December 14, 2018

Although wind turbines may be a valuable source of eco-friendly energy, they do have at least one drawback – bats are frequently killed by their spinning blades. A promising new system is designed to help keep that from happening, however, by producing an ultrasonic acoustic field.

The Bat Deterrent System, pictured here, will be available in 2019

Medical Audio available

Non-invasive neck scan shows promise for detecting cognitive decline years in advance

Rich Haridy November 13, 2018

New research from University College London suggests a quick ultrasound scan examining blood vessels in the neck may be able to effectively predict a person's risk of developing cognitive decline more than 10 years before symptoms appear.

A non-invasive ultrasound scan could predict a person's risk of developing cognitive decline years in advance

Electronics

SoundBender levitates objects by curving sound waves around obstacles

Michael Irving October 15, 2018

Researchers at the University of Sussex have developed SoundBender, a technology that bends sound waves around obstacles to acoustically levitate objects above them.

SoundBender is an acoustic levitation device that can bend sound waves around obstacles

Medical

Handheld device images eyes to save brains

Ben Coxworth October 2, 2018

When someone has a head injury, it's vitally important to know if they're experiencing elevated intracranial pressure – it can cause damage to the brain and spinal cord if left unchecked. A newly-developed device could make the diagnosis process faster and easier than ever before.

The new device measures intracranial pressure via the eye

Medical

Ultrasound patch goes deep to better-monitor blood pressure

Ben Coxworth September 13, 2018

Earlier this year, we heard how scientists from UC San Diego had developed a flexible ultrasound patch that allows users to see the inner structure of irregular-shaped objects. Well, now they've made one that measures a patient's blood pressure from deep within the body.

The ultrasound patch's island-bridge structure allows it to be deformed without damage to the electronics

Medical

Band-Aid-sized ultrasound device could cost as little as $100

Nick Lavars September 12, 2018

In a bid to make ultrasound technology more accessible, engineers in Canada have developed a new type of ultrasound device the size of a Band-Aid, with a similarly scaled down price tag to match.

University of British Columbia say their technology could lower the price of portable ultrasound machines to ...

Medical

Nasal spray and ultrasound team up for direct-to-brain drug delivery

Michael Irving September 10, 2018

The blood-brain barrier is an effective shield against infection, but it’s not so helpful when you’re trying to get drugs in there. Nasal sprays could bypass the barrier, and now researchers have developed a way to use ultrasound pulses to drive the drugs to where in the brain they’re needed.

Drug nanoparticles could be delivered directly to the brain through a nasal spray, which is then ...

Medical

Ultrasound used to treat dementia in mice

Ben Coxworth July 20, 2018

Scientists are reporting success in using ultrasound to treat cognitive dysfunction in mice with simulated vascular dementia and Alzheimer's disease, which are the two most common forms of dementia. The ultrasound improved both the formation of blood vessels, and the regeneration of nerve cells.

There may be hope on the horizon for people with dementia