Has infrasound been used to image the human body?

In summary, ultrasonic waves can be used to scan humans for medical purposes. However, the waves don't work very well for imaging small things, and humans can respond negatively to the waves.
  • #1
Loren Booda
3,125
4
Is it possible to scan humans with ultra low frequencies to study medically one's physique?
 
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  • #2
one aspect of acoustic waves is that they tend to interact with things on the same order of magnitude of size as them. Infrasonic wave, say 10 Hz, at the speed of sound (340 m/s) are:

340(m/s)/10(1/s) = 34 m

The reason ultrasound (at around 10MHz) works so well is because:

340/10,000,000 = 35 um (that's micrometers) so it can pickup the tissue structures that make up humans.
 
  • #3
The human body resonates at a frequency greater than that for "elephant" or "whale" infrasound -- perhaps helpful with communication or even brain feedback, if not directly imaging.
 
  • #4
Loren Booda said:
The human body resonates at a frequency greater than that for "elephant" or "whale" infrasound -- perhaps helpful with communication or even brain feedback, if not directly imaging.

It depends on what cavity you're referring to; the whole human body doesn't have some single natural frequency; it's a complex geometric object full of soft tissues, not a string. For wavelengths on the order of molecular and tissue structures, it's pretty much the same for both humans and elephants. You start talking about a stomach or a lung, of course, and it's a different story. But if you want to image a lung from either an elephant or a human, it will be ultrasound.

infrasound doesn't work for imaging small things:
Even if you've got an infrasonic acoustic wave the order of a lung to transmit and detect for backscatter, it wouldn't detail the lung like an ultrasound does. You'd essentially get one data point representing the lung. With ultrasound, you get several data points representing many pieces of the lung, so you can put an actual image together.
 
  • #6
Why should humans (or more precisely human organs) alway be the standard? Bats use sound for 'imaging'. Dogs, birds also perceive higher frequencies than humans. What is infra-sonic to one species is ultra-sonic to another.
 
  • #7
That wiki link may explain what happened in Fatima on 13th October 1917 in another thread in this section.
 

1. What is infrasound and how is it used for imaging the human body?

Infrasound refers to sound waves with frequencies below the human audible range (below 20Hz). It is used in medical imaging to create images of the internal structures of the human body, similar to how ultrasound uses high frequency sound waves. Infrasound can penetrate deeper into the body, making it useful for imaging organs and tissues that are harder to see with other imaging techniques.

2. How does infrasound technology differ from other medical imaging techniques?

Infrasound technology uses low frequency sound waves, while other imaging techniques such as X-rays, MRI, and CT scans use different types of energy, such as radiation or magnetic fields. Infrasound imaging is also non-invasive and does not use any harmful radiation, making it safer for patients.

3. What are the potential benefits of using infrasound for medical imaging?

Infrasound technology has the potential to provide clearer and more detailed images of internal structures, especially those that are deep in the body. It is also less expensive and safer than other imaging techniques, making it more accessible for patients. Additionally, infrasound can be used to image soft tissues and organs that may be difficult to see with other methods.

4. Are there any limitations or risks associated with using infrasound for medical imaging?

Like any other medical imaging technique, there are some limitations and risks associated with using infrasound. Infrasound cannot be used to image bones or other structures with high calcium content, and the image quality may be affected by factors such as body fat or air bubbles. Additionally, prolonged exposure to high levels of infrasound may have negative effects on the body, so it is important to use the technology carefully and in moderation.

5. What are some current applications of infrasound imaging in the medical field?

Infrasound technology is still in the early stages of development and research, but there are some current applications in the medical field. It has been used to image the heart, lungs, and other internal organs, as well as for monitoring fetal development during pregnancy. Infrasound is also being studied for its potential to detect and diagnose certain medical conditions such as tumors and blood clots.

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