Ultrasound imaging is a noninvasive and safe technique that provides live images of internal organs. Currently, ultrasound imaging requires bulky and specialized equipment, but MIT engineers have developed a stamp-sized ultrasound sticker that can provide continuous imaging of internal organs for 48 hours. The sticker produces high-resolution images and maintains strong adhesion to the skin, allowing users to perform various activities without interruptions. The researchers envision a future where these stickers can operate wirelessly and communicate with cellphones to analyze the images using AI algorithms. This breakthrough in wearable devices and medical imaging has the potential to revolutionize clinical diagnosis and monitoring of internal organs.
| Signal | Change | 10y horizon | Driving force |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ultrasound sticker enables wearable and accessible imaging | From bulky equipment to wearable imaging | Patients can take home wearable ultrasound imaging products | Accessibility and convenience |
| Ultrasound stickers provide continuous imaging for 48 hours | From intermittent imaging to continuous imaging | Longer periods of monitoring and diagnosis | Improvement in healthcare monitoring |
| Stickers can communicate with cellphones for AI image analysis | From manual image analysis to automated AI analysis | AI algorithms can analyze ultrasound images on demand | Advancement in AI technology |
| Stickers can be used to monitor internal organs and tumors | From limited monitoring to comprehensive monitoring | Stickers can monitor various internal organs and tumor progression | Improved disease management and monitoring |
| Stickers can be used for monitoring fetus development | From limited fetal monitoring to comprehensive monitoring | Stickers can monitor fetus development in the womb | Improved prenatal care |
| Researchers are working towards wireless functionality for stickers | From wired to wireless functionality | Stickers can operate wirelessly for increased convenience | Advancement in wireless technology |
| Stickers can be purchased and used by patients and consumers | From limited accessibility to consumer use | Stickers can be bought and used at home | Empowerment of patients and consumers |
| Stickers provide higher resolution images with a stretchy adhesive layer | From low-resolution imaging to high-resolution imaging | Clearer and more precise images of internal organs | Improvement in imaging technology |
| Stickers can capture details of internal organs during different activities | From limited activity monitoring to comprehensive monitoring | Stickers can capture organ changes during various activities | Improved understanding of organ function |
| Researchers are developing software algorithms for image interpretation | From manual interpretation to AI-based interpretation | AI algorithms can better interpret and diagnose images | Advancement in AI technology |