Abstract: One or more optical video cameras connected to a monitor correlated to the position of a medical imaging device or patient allows the medical imaging device user to properly align the medical imaging device with respect to the patient for optimal patient medical imaging. The positioning device is used to reduce radiation exposure in modalities using ionizing radiation by allowing optical patient tracking rather than radiation dependent visualization. In all modalities that do or do not use ionizing radiation, it can be used to improve initial patient and/or medical imaging device position and allow users a visual feedback tool to correctly position the patient and/or medical imaging device during the exam.

Abstract: A method of increasing the growth rate of procaryotic and eucaryotic cells in culture is provided. The method teaches the exposure of the cells in culture to ultrasound of a selected frequency and intensity during incubation to improve cell growth. According to the methods of the invention, the frequency of the ultrasound may be from about 20 kHz to about 1 MHz, and the intensity of the ultrasound may be from about 1 mW/cm2 to about 5 mW/cm2.