Functional ultrasound shows color image maps that can indicate the softness or hardness of specific tissues, movement and velocity of tissue or blood, and other physical characteristics. Learn about how doctors use functional ultrasound in NIBIB's new 60 Seconds of Science video.
 

In this second part of our Ultrasound series we look at how the technology behind Ultrasound actually works and how it can 'see' inside your body. 

Thanks to Charlotte Henningsen, MS, RT(R), RDMS, RVT, FSDMS, FAIUM ( adu.edu ) for providing some of the imagery in this video.

For more information on Ultrasound scans: https://www.nibib.nih.gov/science-education/science-topics/ultrasound

In Part 1 of the Ultrasound Series we present an overview of the technology and describe the common types of Ultrasound you might encounter.
 

X-rays were one of the first forms of biomedical imaging and NIBIB's 60 Seconds of Science explain how they create those images of bones we all know well.

NIBIB's 60 Seconds of Science explains what is happening in the body when it undergoes an PET scan.
 

Research funded by NIH at Massachusetts General Hospital has yielded a miniature, point-of-care Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) device that can non- invasively diagnose cancer and has demonstrated superior accuracy and speed when compared to standard biopsy. The micro-NMR does this by analyzing  cells, proteins, nucleic acids, viruses, and bacteria from unpurified biological samples -- all in less than an hour. Using unprocessed samples eliminates the need for a lab and trained technicians.

NIH funded research at Rutgers University has resulted in the development of new materials for biomedical applications. One example is a new resorbable cardiovascular stent that can replace the metal stents currently in use, which remain in the body and often cause long-term complications. This stent also delivers medication and is radio-opaque, allowing imaging and controlled monitoring of the re-absorption process.

Research funded by the NIH at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology has resulted in the ability to provide both mouse liver function and human liver function in the same mouse. This capability enables researchers to investigate how human livers metabolize drugs, to test susceptibility to toxicity, and to demonstrate species-specific responses that typically do not show up until clinical trials.

For more information on the National Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering go to http://www.nibib.nih.gov/