FAQ
Why ENHANCE?
Our lab name, ENHANCE, was deliberately chosen as a one-word encapsulation of our mission and focus. It reflects a dual meaning that aligns with our work: the advancement of ultrasound technologies to enhance human performance in austere environments (#US4HP) and of contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS), where microbubbles serve as a blood pool marker in diagnostic imaging or as theranostic agents in ultrasound-based therapies. We are committed to pushing the boundaries of biomedical ultrasound applications and improving human health and resilience.
How do you define austere or extreme environments?
Extreme environments are settings that cannot sustain human life without engineered controls (e.g. undersea, space). These environments are characterized by harsh conditions—high pressure, low oxygen, extreme temperatures, etc, or combinations thereof—that pose significant challenges to human health and performance. The study of these impacts is known as extreme environmental physiology.
Ultrasound is the ideal imaging modality for studying extreme environmental physiology due to its accessibility, affordability, portability, and non-ionizing nature, making it safer and more practical compared to alternatives like MRI or CT.
More broadly, austere environments are areas that regularly experience significant environmental hazards that can cause or exacerbate medical conditions without adequate protection. These settings are often marked by limited (or compromised) access to medical facilities, personnel, or resources, alongside challenges such as unreliable electricity, constrained physical space, and communication barriers.
At ENHANCE, our lab is dedicated to partnering with stakeholders to innovate in this space. We focus on tailoring ultrasound technologies for use in remote, resource-limited, wilderness, military, and extreme environments.
That’s what we call ultrasound for human performance #US4HP
Why ultrasound for human performance?
Most biomedical ultrasound research focuses on disease diagnosis and treatment. What if we instead leveraged ultrasound to explore human physiology under challenging conditions? Environmental physiology provides a powerful framework for studying short- and long-term adaptions to specific stressors, bridging the gap between “normal” physiology and pathophysiology. It is particularly timely in the context of global climate change for preserving health in increasingly altered environments.
Rather than focusing solely on pathologies, our work emphasizes the strengths and adaptations that allow individuals to not only preserve health but excel in challenging environments. Ultrasound’s versatility and portability make it an exceptional tool for real-time monitoring and longitudinal studies. We are developing the imaging and statistical tools to predict, monitor and adapt personalized preconditioning interventions to preserve and enhance function. For instance, beyond merely preventing decompression sickness, our aim is to help divers, astronauts and compressed air workers explore further, stay longer, recover faster, and maintain peak physical and cognitive performance.
Our research extends beyond exploration and occupational medicine. Understanding how the body responds to acute stressors informs critical care, emergency medicine, and trauma management. It also addresses critical challenges in resource-limited and austere environments, paving the way for innovative healthcare solutions in settings with restricted access to medical infrastructure. Insights from human performance in extreme environments can result in medical advancements, from developing new tools to treating conditions such as hypoxia-related diseases and cardiovascular disorders.
That’s what we call ultrasound for human performance #US4HP
How do you judge the impact of your work?
We assess our impact through scientific publications, successful translation of research into practical applications, collaborations with stakeholders and industry, and feedback from the communities we serve. We are committed to reproducible science and strive for others to build upon our work. If you are interested in collaborating or have questions, please Contact us.
Should I consider applying to join ENHANCE?
We are looking for exceptional individuals who share our mission, excel in high-impact environments, and are fueled by a passion for innovation and excellence. At ENHANCE, we believe diversity is the cornerstone of creativity and excellence—a fusion of unique perspectives, backgrounds, and experiences that drives groundbreaking discoveries. If you thrive on collaboration, embrace multidisciplinary input, and value independence with supportive guidance, our lab may be a perfect fit for you.
Learn more #JoinTheEchosystem
Where can I learn more?
Explore our website for more information on our projects, publications, and team members. Follow us on social media to stay updated on our latest developments. Use our Resources section to learn more about focused ultrasound, undersea medicine and performance, STEM.
#GrowTheEchosystem