Graphene, that wonder material that seems to have no limits to its usefulness, is now being used to give humans the gift of ultrasonic hearing. With the lightweight ultrasonic microphones and loudspeakers created by UC Berkeley physicists Alex Zettl, Qin Zhou, and their colleagues, people can now hear high frequencies just like dolphins and bats. The devices were made by replacing the traditional paper or plastic diaphragms found in microphones and speakers with sheets of one-atom-thick graphene. The novel material makes it possible for the devices to operate at incredible frequencies.

Humans normally hear in the 20 hertz to 20,000 hertz range while bats hear in the 9 to 200 kilohertz range. The graphene devices operate from subsonic to supersonic frequencies: from under 20 hertz to over 500 kilohertz. Because the graphene membrane is so thin, light, and responsive, it is far more efficient than current diaphragm materials. Current speakers only convert around 8 percent of received energy into sound; the graphene versions can convert over 99 percent of that energy into sound.

The ultrasonic graphene devices could be used to transmit information in electromagnetic waves through objects or even underwater – with far greater detail and reliability than traditional sonar. In the somewhat far-off future, the researchers anticipate that devices like mobile phones, speakers, and headphones will use diaphragms made of graphene sheets. But for now, the technology will be used to study high-frequency auditory signals, including the bat chirps that are normally far outside of human hearing range.

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The company behind a multi-point, midair haptic feedback system using ultrasound to add sensation to holographic representation has just received a round of seed funding toward further development of their futuristic responsive interface design.

Like something straight out of Star Trek (or Iron Man or Minority Report), the ‘haptic holograms’ of UltraHaptics use sound waves to create highly-localized pressure on the skin, which, coupled with a visual display, gives physical feedback and resistance.

In principle, we are already used to ‘feeling’ sound when it comes through loud speakers at a concert or movie, but this represents a much more focused version of that same phenomena, applied to virtual and augmented reality.

Potential applications abound, from immersive gaming to interactive virtual medical examinations – haptic feedback is also only one side of the equation: picture a holographic controller that responds to your movements as well as resisting them in realtime, letting you know the action has been acknowledged. New funding will help the company pursue further prototypes, improving precision and computing power along the way.

More on how it works: “Professor Sriram Subramanian, who co-developed the haptic technology at the University of Bristol’s Computer Science Department, explained that their device applies the principles of acoustic radiation force, whereby sound waves produce forces on the skin which are strong enough to generate tactile sensations. One of the advantages of having a touchless system is that the interaction comes to you; instead of going and touching the light switch, you just wave your hand and the light comes on. And this is going to be ubiquitous, and as it becomes ubiquitous people are going to need this kind of tactile feedback.”

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Way back in grade school, breaking your arm was kind of awesome because you got to wear a cast that everyone signed. Once you grow up, though, wearing a cast is a lot less desirable. Turkish industrial designer Deniz Karasahin has invented a 3D printed cast that uses ultrasound to heal bones quicker than a traditional cast.

The Osteoid cast kind of looks like a fashion accessory. Its multiple cutouts resemble a carefully-crafted design, but they are actually ventilation holes that keep away the itchy, musty, stinky sensations of plaster casts. It’s hooked up to low-intensity ultrasound for 20 minutes a day, which the designer says can decrease the healing time significantly.

The healing process can be reduced by up to 38% for certain fractures and up to 80% for others. FastCo talked to Dr. Michael Hausman, a hand surgeon at Mt. Sinai Hospital, about the technology. He is optimistic and confirms that ultrasound has been proven to reduce healing times. He even agrees that the design is far more attractive than traditional casts. The only hurdle that he can see – and one that is sure to weigh on plenty of other minds – is whether the next-generation cast will be affordable.

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Ultrasound technology is one of the safest and most reliable diagnostic tools doctors have for identifying certain conditions, but the majority of the world’s population lacks access to it. The expense and difficulty transporting ultrasound machines makes ultrasounds inaccessible to around 70% of the world. A company called Mobisante is combining the usefulness of ultrasounds with the power of mobile phones to create an ultra-portable ultrasound device.

The MobiUS SP1 is an amazing little gadget that simply plugs into a smartphone and then works like a regular ultrasound machine. The doctor or other medical professional watches the image output on his or her handheld device without the need for electrical grid access or big, heavy machinery. Disaster relief organizations, third world countries, busy triage nurses, and patients in remote areas could all benefit from this portable diagnostic tool.

After the scan, images can be shared via wi-fi or a mobile network or transferred directly to a computer. Then the images can be analyzed, sent for a second opinion or saved so doctors can keep track of a condition over time.

The post See Through You: Handheld Ultrasound is Ultra-Portable first appeared on Gajitz.