Ultrasound Research Laboratory

The Ultrasound Laboratory is an academic research group dedicated to advancing medical ultrasound, with a core mission of translational research and the development of novel ultrasound imaging and therapeutic technologies. By bridging fundamental acoustic science with rigorous clinical application, our multidisciplinary team aims to enhance diagnostic precision, improve image-guided therapies, and ultimately elevate patient care.

Research focus areas

Microbubble image-guided vascular therapy

We are developing ultrasound-based, image-guided vascular therapies. By combining microbubble contrast agents with high-frequency microvascular imaging and therapeutic ultrasound, we aim to optimize interventions, such as ischemic therapy and hyperthermia. This integrated approach allows for simultaneous imaging and targeted treatment.

Quantitative and computational sonography

A central goal of the laboratory is to improve the precision and reproducibility of ultrasound through automation and quantification. We leverage advanced computational techniques, including segmentation, feature analysis, and machine learning, applied to B-mode and Doppler imaging. Our work in ultrasound radiomics, echo statistics, and texture analysis is actively being applied to the early detection and assessment of hepatic fibrosis.

Photoacoustic molecular imaging

The lab is at the forefront of developing photoacoustic imaging (PAI) for endogenous molecular targets, including melanin, oxygenation, and collagen. Our recent efforts include utilizing spectral PAI and superpixel unmixing analysis for collagen tracking, as well as assessing tissue oxygenation in models of hepatic fibrosis, offering new avenues for high-resolution, non-invasive molecular characterization.

Oncology and image-guided interventions

We are actively engaged in improving the early detection and targeted treatment of cancer, specifically hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Our research includes using hydralazine to enhance ultrasound image contrast for early HCC detection and to develop image-guided therapeutic strategies based on vasomodulation.

Cardiovascular research: ultrasound endothelial diagnostic platform

Our laboratory is actively developing a non-invasive ultrasound-based endothelial diagnostic platform to detect and characterize vascular dysfunction at its earliest, subclinical stages. By integrating high-resolution B-mode and Doppler imaging with our established expertise in vascular imaging and machine learning, we aim to provide sensitive, reproducible metrics of endothelial health. Ultimately, this research seeks to translate comprehensive endothelial assessment into a practical point-of-care diagnostic instrument for earlier cardiovascular risk stratification.

Collaborative and translational philosophy

Translation is central to the Ultrasound Lab's mission. Our progress is built on extensive collaboration with a diverse network of clinical and scientific experts across radiology, veterinary medicine, physics, and bioengineering. We work closely with our collaborators to ensure that our innovations are rigorously evaluated in preclinical models and optimized for clinical workflows, transforming benchtop discoveries into tangible medical technologies.

Laboratory details