Using light and sound to reveal rapid brain activity in unprecedented detail

Published: Thu, 19 May 2022 08:54:33 EDT

Biomedical engineers at Duke University have developed a method to scan and image the blood flow and oxygen levels inside a mouse brain in real-time with enough resolution to view the activity of both individual vessels and the entire brain at once. This new imaging approach breaks long-standing speed and resolution barriers in brain imaging technologies and could uncover new insights into neurovascular diseases like stroke, dementia and even acute brain injury.

Study reveals imaging approach with potential to detect lung cancer earlier, at the cellular level

Published: Wed, 18 May 2022 17:15:11 EDT

Researchers have found a way to identify lung cancer at the cellular level in real time during a biopsy, offering promise in the ability to detect the disease earlier and with more confidence.

How the brain changes during depression treatment

Published: Wed, 18 May 2022 08:05:59 EDT

Researchers have shown what happens to the brain when a person receives a depression treatment known as repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS). rTMS is a depression treatment typically used when other approaches -- such as medications -- haven't been effective for a patient. By stimulating the dorsolateral pre-frontal cortex, rTMS activates several other regions of the brain involved in multiple functions, from managing emotional responses to memory and motor control.

Treatment minimizes infants' opioid-related brain abnormalities

Published: Thu, 12 May 2022 13:41:42 EDT

Researchers have evidence validating the benefits of using medication for opioid use disorder during pregnancy. Brain imaging revealed significant improvements in brain function after treatment.

Researchers develop wireless implantable vascular monitoring system

Published: Thu, 12 May 2022 12:19:47 EDT

Researchers are improving the odds for patients with the development of an implantable soft electronic vascular monitoring system. Their smart stent and printed soft sensors, is capable of wireless real-time monitoring of hemodynamics without batteries or circuits.

Obesity in pregnancy increases risk of lifelong cardiovascular disease in offspring

Published: Thu, 12 May 2022 09:26:50 EDT

Maternal obesity impairs heart health and function of the fetus according to a new study in mice. The study found that maternal obesity causes molecular changes in the heart of the fetus and alters expression of genes related to nutrient metabolism, which greatly increases offspring's risk of cardiac problems in later life.

Exploring dynamics of blood flow in vascular, atherosclerotic diseases

Published: Tue, 10 May 2022 12:24:29 EDT

Researchers present clinicians with information about the risk factors for atherosclerotic plaque formation from a mechanical point of view. The scientists are exploring whether it is possible to screen and intervene early for people at risk for atherosclerotic disease from the perspective of hemodynamics, using color Doppler ultrasound, coronary computed tomography angiography, and other screenings. The researchers used a multipoint, noncontact laser flow measurement method called microparticle image velocimetry.

Active brown adipose tissue protects against 'pre-prediabetes'

Published: Thu, 05 May 2022 11:47:12 EDT

In a prospective study of young, lean adults, PET/CT imaging revealed that higher levels of active brown adipose tissue (also known as 'brown fat') are more prevalent in individuals who exhibit very early indications of metabolic disorders. The study suggests that active brown fat is recruited to counteract 'pre-prediabetic' states, potentially serving as a first-line protective mechanism against very early metabolic or hormonal abnormalities.

How MRI could revolutionize heart failure diagnosis

Published: Thu, 05 May 2022 08:56:33 EDT

Until now, the best way of diagnosing heart failure has been an invasive assessment, but it carries risks for patients. Non-invasive echocardiogram, which is based on ultrasound, are usually used instead, but they are wrong in up to 50 per cent of cases. The new study shows how magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is superior to echocardiography for diagnosing heart failure, as well as being a powerful tool to predict patient outcomes, including death.

Bye, bye, biopsy? Handheld device could painlessly identify skin cancers

Published: Wed, 04 May 2022 13:56:27 EDT

A new device uses millimeter-wave imaging -- the same technology used in airport security scanners -- to scan a patient's skin to detect if they have skin cancer. Millimeter-wave rays harmlessly penetrate about 2mm into human skin, so the team's imaging technology provides a clear 3D map of scanned skin lesions.