Ultrasound

Researchers have developed a breakthrough ultrasound method that uses shear waves to, for the first time, measure tension in human tissue. The discovery has to the potential to revolutionize disease diagnosis.

It goes without saying that if someone has a blood clot in their brain, that clot should be cleared as soon as possible. An experimental new transducer could help, as it uses swirling waves of ultrasound to break up blood clots much faster than existing methods.

Engineers have developed a new system that can move objects without physical contact. The technique involves ultrasound waves acting on specialized surfaces to push or pull objects in set directions, which could help in manufacturing and robotics.

Dust and grime gathering in the grooves is a common problem faced by folks who consume music by spinning vinyl records. Startup VinylSonic is looking to clean up with an ultrasonic machine and a matching minimalist turntable.

Getting a bandage to stick to your skin can sometimes be difficult, particularly if that skin is wet. This isn't a problem with an experimental new wound dressing however, which uses ultrasound-induced microbubbles to better bond with the skin.

If you transport your bike on a car-top rack, there's a risk that you'll forget it's up there, and smash it into a low-hanging garage door or other overhead obstacle. The Veloroof system is designed to greatly reduce that risk.

Engineers at MIT have designed a tiny sticker that can deliver continuous ultrasound images of internal organs. The innovation is a step toward a future where stickers could track muscle health during workouts or fetal development during pregnancy.

3D printing typically involves depositing layers of molten plastic, laser-melting powdered metal, or using UV light to harden gelatinous resin. A new technique takes yet another approach, however, by utilizing sound waves.

Scientists have demonstrated a novel approach to tackling arterial plaque that relies on laser, ultrasound and exploding microbubbles to destroy it with greater safety and efficiency, while hinting at unique long-term advantages.

Along with providing users with sights and sounds, some VR systems also deliver tactile sensation to the hands. A new ultrasound-based setup, however, lets users feel the virtual world on and in their mouths – without making physical contact.

University of Michigan researchers have been exploring how ultrasound can combine with the body's immune defenses to take out tumors through a one-two punch, with a new study on rodents returning some highly promising results.

When a pacemaker's battery gets low, the whole implant typically has to be surgically replaced. Scientists are therefore developing a noninvasive battery recharging system, which utilizes externally applied ultrasound.