Doctors usually check heart rate, blood pressure, temperature and oxygen. Researchers at the University of Missouri say blood viscosity — how thick and sticky blood is — is also important. Viscosity links to many leading causes of death, including heart disease, cancer and stroke.
The researchers made a non-invasive device that uses ultrasound waves and signal software. It gently vibrates blood and senses the response, then a program measures both density and viscosity. The device gives real-time readings without taking blood. The team is preparing for human trials and hopes to make affordable, portable devices.
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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