In an effort that is being led by Dr. Larry Crum, a member of the Foundation's Research Advisory Committee, a new technique is being developed to use focused ultrasound to position kidney stones into better placement so that the body can pass them.
"We have a diagnostic ultrasound machine that has enhanced capability to image kidney stones in the body," said Dr. Michael Bailey, a principal engineer at APL-UW and co-investigator on the project. "We also have a capability that uses ultrasound waves coming right through the skin to push small stones or pieces of stones toward the exit of the kidney, so they will naturally pass, avoiding surgery."
Read more about the process here:
http://www.nsbri.org/newsflash/indivArticle.asp?id=454&articleID=155
Focused ultrasound is once again in the headlines. On January 23, ABC World News with Diane Sawyer introduced its viewers to Phyllis Walker, a woman with essential tremor. She was one of the 15 volunteers treated in the recently completed FUS Foundation-funded study at the University of Virginia. Following her focused ultrasound treatment, her hand became steady enough to resume everyday activities. Phyllis said she was particularly happy to be able to write letters to her two grandsons who are serving in Iraq and Afghanistan. Click the image below to view the report. 
