Ultrasound Therapy Pulverizes Kidney Stones

A research group at the University of Tokyo has created a new type of high-precision ultrasound therapy that can pulverize kidney stones.

Two different wavelengths of ultrasound are directed in sequence that then blast the kidney stones even several millimeters in size and cause little or no damage to surrounding tissue.

Experiments on pigs and stones measuring 7mm in size and blasted for 30-minute sessions obliterated the stones leaving no discernible damage to surround tissue.

Animal lovers cried foul! Why give the pigs the kidney stones in the first place? 

The university group will continue to improve the method before transferring the technology to the private  

sector for commercial development.

I heard there were flyers on the bulletin board asking for animal rights activists to volunteer to have kidney stones for experimentation.

Do you think it is okay to practice new medical techniques on animals?