Scientists at the University of Missouri are studying blood viscosity, which is how thick or sticky blood is. They believe this could be an important new vital sign for health.
Thick blood can make the heart work harder and cause clots. The new device uses sound waves to measure blood viscosity without taking samples. This method is important because regular tests can change how blood behaves.
If successful, this technology could help manage diseases like sickle cell anemia better and provide real-time health information.
Difficult words
- viscosity — A measure of how thick a liquid is.
- important — Having great value or significance.
- device — A tool or machine made for a specific purpose.
- measure — To find the size or amount of something.
- disease — An illness affecting the body.diseases
- manage — To control or handle something.
- information — Facts or details about something.
Tip: hover, focus or tap highlighted words in the article to see quick definitions while you read or listen.
Discussion questions
- How do you think thick blood affects a person's health?
- What are other important vital signs you know?
- Why is technology important in health care?
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