GE's new HDlive ultrasound creates a clear and colorful 3D image of a fetus in utero. Parents get an excellent view of their child-to-be and doctors are able to see details that let them more accurately assess the fetus's health.

The technology creates a moveable virtual light source and uses advanced skin rendering techniques to create realistic color. The virtual light source casts shadows and creates definition, highlighting every detail, every bump and every fold.

The new technique makes conventional black-and-white ultrasound images look virtually flat.

Images courtesy of Dr. Bernard Beniot, Princess Grace Hospital, Monaco

This article originally published at Discovery News here