Metamaterials Next Trick? Making Ultrasound Imaging High-Def

In 2011, we reported that metamaterials, man-made materials with exotic properties, might be able to boost the resolution of ultrasound imaging by a factor of 50. On a related note, a team of international researchers, including Texas A&M Professor Vladislav Yakovlev pictured on the right, have developed a prototype of the metamaterial-containing transducer that could significantly improve the resolution of ultrasound imaging by converting ultrasound waves into optical rather than electrical signals.

The breakthrough is one of six featured in a recent MPMN slide show. Other developments include a mind-reading robotic exoskeleton that could enable the paralyzed to control robotic limbs using their thoughts.