An ultrasound technique currently investigated at the department is high-frequency wideband ultrasound for in-situ identification of fish.
In-situ identification of fish is important to fisheries operations as well as scientific marine surveys.
If a fisher knows the species prior to catching the fish, unwanted by-catches can be avoided, and if a scientist can identify the species and the size, time consuming and costly sampling of the fish can be reduced.
Other current investigations include techniques for ultrasonic elasticity imaging of the heel pad for the purpose of detecting tissue differences.
Heel pad injuries can be caused by marathon running, fall accidents, Falanga torture, etc.
Especially to document Falanga torture - repeatedly beating the soles of the feet including the heel pads leaving relatively few objective findings despite the severe chronic physical disability - there is a need for validated examination methods to be used for medico-legal purposes and as important tools in the prevention of torture.
This research is performed by PhD student An Hoai Pham and former PhD student Sara Matteoli.