BPoD has moved!

BPoD has recently changed our domain name - we can now be found at bpod.org.uk

Please update your bookmarks!

Now in our 13th year of bringing you beautiful imagery from biomedical science every day

Search the archive of over 4000 images

Tracking Bubbles

New technique to separate tiny bubbles improves resolution of ultrasound imaging

28 May 2020

Tracking Bubbles

Ultrasound scans are used to image tissues in the body for medical reasons. Microbubbles can improve the resolution of these scans. These tiny bubbles are injected into the bloodstream and vibrate in response to ultrasound waves. Researchers try to improve this technique for imaging microvessels — the smallest of blood vessels. Small amounts of microbubbles are normally injected, as they need to separate out for accurate images. However, in microvessels where blood flows slower, it takes so long for these few microbubbles to arrive that the tissue moves, distorting the image. Add more microbubbles and they overlap in large blood vessels, also distorting the image. Now a new technique to process these images is tested which separates out overlapping microbubbles based on features such as movement speed and flow direction. Images of chicken embryo blood vessels processed with this technique (right) show clearer microvessels and large vessels compared with unprocessed images (left).

Written by Lux Fatimathas

Search The Archive

Submit An Image

Follow on Tumblr

Follow on Instagram

What is BPoD?

BPoD stands for Biomedical Picture of the Day. Managed by the MRC Laboratory of Medical Sciences until Jul 2023, it is now run independently by a dedicated team of scientists and writers. The website aims to engage everyone, young and old, in the wonders of biology, and its influence on medicine. The ever-growing archive of more than 4000 research images documents over a decade of progress. Explore the collection and see what you discover. Images are kindly provided for inclusion on this website through the generosity of scientists across the globe.

Read More

BPoD is also available in Catalan at www.bpod.cat with translations by the University of Valencia.