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NIBIB: Year in Review

2023 banner

In 2023, the NIBIB communications team covered a wide variety of advances supported by the institute, from basic research to novel ultrasound applications to at-home monitoring and diagnostics. We present here a sample of some of the most-read articles written this year. We look forward to sharing more exciting science news about NIBIB-supported research in 2024!

Top 2023 story

A wireless ultrasound patch placed on the neck

Wireless wonder: wearable ultrasound patch goes completely cable-free

This fully wireless ultrasound patch, which can capture detailed medical information and transmit the data to a smart device, could represent a major step forward in at-home health care technology. Read all about it here.

Towards self-monitoring at home

Ultrasound selfies: patients produce images at home
A participant performs ultrasound scans on himself

Research shows that patients could collect ultrasound images in the comfort of their own homes.

A stretchable, wearable patch for cardiac ultrasound
A flexible, wearable ultrasound patch, bent around a tube

This cardiac ultrasound imager can non-invasively capture real-time images of the heart. 

At-home videos for musculoskeletal health
Schematic demonstrating how self-collected data from the sit-to-stand test can be analyzed remotely

This online tool can analyze self-collected, at-home videos with a smartphone to predict disease.

NIH study informs repeat antigen testing

A collection of self-testing components

Research shows that repeat testing every other day increases the detection of the SARS-CoV-2 virus.

Interventions on the horizon

Delivering oxygen using ultrasound
Drawing of a mouse receiving an ultrasound which increases the oxygen level in the tumor

Early research may offer a way to break through cancer’s hypoxia-induced defenses by delivering oxygen to tumors to combat resistance to radiation.

Through-tissue 3D printing
On the left: An illustration of an ultrasound transducer positioned above a chamber of ultrasound-sensitive ink, casting ultrasound waves deep into the chamber. On the right: Computer models and 3D-printed structures including a honeycomb and a vascular network.

A collaborative team of researchers have outlined a method to print biocompatible structures through thick, multi-layered tissues using focused ultrasound.

Scientists engineer living DNA sensors
Schematic of bacterial DNA sensor

Synthetic biology engineers have designed and engineered bacteria that find and detect fragments of DNA shed from infectious pathogens.

Packaging mRNA for the pancreas
Artistic representation of lipid nanoparticles containing mRNA

These nanoparticles are designed to carry mRNA specifically to the pancreas, which could pave the way for novel therapies for intractable pancreatic diseases.

Biomedical imaging advances

Combining ultrasound with AI for cancer detection
Ultrasound images depict a thyroid tumor. Conventional ultrasound produced the image on the left, which does not capture the details of the tumor's microvasculature. The image on the right, produced by high-definition microvasculature imaging, show the vessels in higher detail.

This cancer diagnostic method, which pairs cutting-edge ultrasound techniques with artificial intelligence, can accurately diagnose thyroid cancer.

MRI contrast agent targets hypoxic disease
Artist’s rendition of decreasing oxygen levels moving from the periphery to the center of a solid tumor.

Researchers are developing new MRI contrast agents that are activated in low oxygen environments, enabling improved diagnosis and treatment of hypoxic conditions.

The quest for ethical algorithms in medical imaging
Medical Imaging and Data Resource Center identity

This interview with Maryellen Giger delves into the creation of the MIDRC imaging repository and how its data can be used to develop and evaluate AI algorithms.

Helmet with sensors records brain function
Participant wearing a brain-scanning helmet

This new, wearable brain scanner is the first of its kind to accurately record the magnetic fields that are generated by human brain activity while the wearer is in motion.

NIBIB program updates

NIH launches Home Test to Treat, a pilot COVID-19 telehealth program
Home Test to Treat Program identity

NIH has launched the Home Test to Treat program, a virtual community health intervention that will provide free COVID-19 health services: at-home rapid tests, telehealth sessions and at-home treatments, in select areas.

Biomedical Engineering Technology Acceleration Center
Underrepresented researchers working in a lab

NIBIB has established the Center for Biomedical Engineering Technology Acceleration (BETA Center), a new intramural research program to solve a range of medicine’s most pressing problems. 

NIH selects undergraduate winners of 2023 DEBUT Challenge
DEBUT 2023 winners announced

The National Institutes of Health and the higher education non-profit VentureWell have selected 10 winners and five honorable mentions for the 2023 Design by Biomedical Undergraduate Teams (DEBUT) Challenge.

Point-of-Care Technology Research Network awards
Point of Care Technologies Research Network identity

NIH will advance the development of home-based and point-of-care health technologies with awards to six technology research and development centers in the Point-of-Care Technology Research Network (POCTRN).

Check out our top stories from 2022!