Researchers from the University of California, San Diego, USA have invented a sticky and elastic patch that can perform ultrasonic operation. This new wearable technology may soon provide extremely useful tools for various medical detection operations. However, at present, it cannot be expected to be used to take any fetal photos. According to a paper recently published in the British journal Nature biomedical engineering, the research team led by Xu Sheng, a professor of nano engineering at the University of California, San Diego, has developed a wearable micro device that can measure the tissue elasticity at a depth of 4 cm below the skin, with a spatial resolution of 0.5 mm. Co author and postdoctoral researcher Hu Hongjie of the research report explained in a statement that they "integrated a series of ultrasound components into a soft elastic matrix and connected them using wavy stretchable electrodes" to create a comfortable patch for portable medical monitoring. This patch can comfortably fit the patient's skin and undergo "acoustic coupling" with the skin for repeated three-dimensional imaging of subcutaneous tissue. Compared to traditional ultrasound technology, this new patch can be monitored outside the hospital and does not require personnel assistance. Hu Hongjie said, "This allows patients to continuously monitor their health status anytime, anywhere." One of the major challenges the team initially faced was actually manufacturing this patch. Traditional manufacturing methods often require high-temperature welding procedures, which can damage the sensitivity of the equipment. To address this issue, Xu Sheng's team replaced the flux with a conductive epoxy resin that can be bonded at room temperature, thereby avoiding any issues related to burning. The potential uses of this patch include: monitoring the progression of cancer cells, as cancer cells often harden as they spread; Assess sports injuries that affect tendons, ligaments, and muscles; Analyze the efficacy of liver and cardiovascular diseases, as well as the results of chemotherapy. The announcement from the University of California, San Diego states that the ability to continuously monitor these health issues can help avoid misdiagnosis and death, while also reducing costs through new, non-invasive methods. (Outlook New Era Network)