Using ultrasound and machine learning to monitor gum inflammation
Official title: Multiparametric characterization of periodontal tissues for inflammation monitoring using quantitative ultrasound, texture analysis and machine learning
Funded at University of Michigan at Ann Arbor · NIH-11163911 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a special type of ultrasound can help doctors see inflammation in your gums without any surgery, making it easier to spot and track gum diseases like gingivitis and periodontitis, so you can get better care for your dental health.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Michigan at Ann Arbor NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Ann Arbor, United States) |
| Project start | April 1, 2025 |
| Project end | March 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $74,284 |
| NIH project number | 1F32DE034986-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11163911 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are adults experiencing symptoms of periodontal disease, such as gum inflammation or bleeding.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without any signs of periodontal disease or those who are not adults may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how high-frequency ultrasound can be used to noninvasively assess inflammation in periodontal tissues, which are critical for dental health. By analyzing ultrasound images and applying machine learning techniques, the study aims to develop new biomarkers that can provide a more accurate diagnosis of periodontal diseases compared to traditional methods. The goal is to improve the early detection and monitoring of conditions like gingivitis and periodontitis, ultimately enhancing patient care and outcomes.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more accurate and less invasive methods for diagnosing and monitoring periodontal diseases, improving patient quality of life.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promise in using ultrasound for tissue characterization, but this specific application in periodontology is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Michigan at Ann Arbor
Ann Arbor, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Poul, Daria — University of Michigan at Ann Arbor
- Study coordinator: Poul, Daria
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Modulating deep brain activity with focused ultrasound for cocaine use disorder
A study will test whether targeting a deep brain region with focused ultrasound can alter brain signals related to craving in people with cocaine use disorder.
-
Dose-Dependent Brain Wire Modulation with Light Ultrasound in Deep White Matter
A small early study tests whether gentle, noninvasive ultrasound can change how deep brain white matter tracts work in healthy adults.
-
Ultrasound-guided brain circuit targets for treatment-resistant depression
This grant tests whether focused ultrasound can safely and reversibly adjust brain circuits linked to negative mood in people with treatment-resistant depression.
-
Ultrasound biomarkers to diagnose and predict treatment response for plantar heel pain
A study will test advanced ultrasound imaging to find biomarkers that help diagnose plantar heel pain and predict who will respond to targeted treatments.
-
Brain ultrasound and microcirculation to understand early brain development in HIV-exposed uninfected infants
We’re studying how brain ultrasound and blood flow patterns in newborns exposed to HIV and antiretroviral drugs (but not infected) relate to their early neurodevelopment.
-
A 3D ultrasound scanner to see early chemotherapy response in breast cancer
A new 3D ultrasound imaging method will be tested to see if it can quickly show whether breast cancer is responding to chemotherapy.
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.