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No proof that radiation from X rays and CT scans causes cancer

A study published in the American Journal of Clinical Oncology challenges the widely-held belief that low-dose radiation from medical imaging procedures can cause cancer. The authors argue that the linear no-threshold model, used to estimate cancer risks, has never been conclusively demonstrated by empirical evidence.

SourceLoyola Medicine·JournalAmerican Journal of Clinical Oncology·DateFeb 3, 2016

Some radiation okay for expectant mother and fetus

A new study by American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons finds that imaging studies necessary to diagnose traumatic injuries in pregnant women are generally safe. The radiation doses from these studies are well below thresholds considered risky. However, multiple scans and repeated exposure increase the likelihood of a harmful effect.

SourceAmerican Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons·JournalJournal of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons·DateAug 6, 2015

Detecting small metallic contaminants in food via magnetization

Researchers at Toyohashi University of Technology have developed a practical magnetic metallic contaminant detector using three high-Tc RF superconducting quantum interference devices for food inspection. The detection technique is based on recording the remnant magnetic field of a contaminant, providing a safe and high-resolution method.

SourceToyohashi University of Technology (TUT)·JournalIEEE Transactions on Applied Superconductivity·DateJul 29, 2015

How the brightest lights in the universe 'flicker'

Astronomers discover active galactic nuclei (AGN) exhibit flickering behavior, switching on and off every 200,000 years. This phenomenon affects star formation in host galaxies, with radiation from AGN potentially delaying or preventing the collapse of gas clouds.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society·DateJun 24, 2015

X-ray irradiation at a certain dose alters the neuronal cytoskeleton and cytomechanics

Researchers found that X-ray irradiation damages cortical neurons by altering their cytoskeleton and cytomechanics. The study suggests that heavy ion beams may have a biological advantage over X-rays in protecting normal brain tissue during cranial radiotherapy. This could lead to improved treatment outcomes for patients.

SourceNeural Regeneration Research·JournalNeural Regeneration Research·DateJul 21, 2014

New imaging technology

Researchers have developed a new X-ray phase-contrast mammography technique that provides high-contrast images of breast tissue. This technique helps distinguish between different types of microcalcifications and can aid in assigning them to malignant lesions, enabling non-invasive detection of premalignant lesions.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalNature Communications·DateMay 15, 2014

UNL scientists develop novel X-ray device

Researchers at UNL's Extreme Light Laboratory developed a novel method to generate research-quality X-rays using a 'tabletop' laser, increasing accessibility to the technology. The new device produces high-energy X-rays with potential applications in Homeland Security, medical imaging, and scientific research.

SourceUniversity of Nebraska-Lincoln·JournalNature Photonics·DateNov 24, 2013

Laser empties atoms from the inside out

Researchers at the University of York and Joint Institute for High Temperatures used a petawatt laser to remove deeply bound electrons from atoms, creating a distinctive plasma state. The experiment aims to further understanding of fusion energy generation, which employs hotter plasmas than the Sun.

SourceUniversity of York·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateMar 25, 2013

Chameleon pulsar baffles astronomers

Researchers found a pulsar, PSR B0943+10, that changes its behavior between two extreme states: one dominated by X-ray pulses and the other by highly organized radio pulses. The team used simultaneous observations with the XMM-Newton satellite and two radio telescopes to reveal this unique behavior.

SourceUniversity of Manchester·JournalScience·DateJan 24, 2013

'Tricorder' invention could put medical diagnosis and terrorism prevention in the palm of the hand

A compact source of X-rays and other forms of radiation has been invented by a University of Missouri engineering team, enabling the creation of inexpensive and portable X-ray scanners for medical diagnosis and terrorism prevention. The device could improve healthcare services in remote regions and reduce costs.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalIEEE Transactions on Plasma Science·DateJan 8, 2013

Scanning innovation can improve personalized medicine

Researchers have developed omni-tomography, a technology that integrates multiple imaging modalities to improve early disease screening, cancer staging, and therapeutic assessment. This approach enables precise reconstruction of small areas in the body using prior knowledge and common properties.

SourceVirginia Tech·JournalPLOS ONE·DateNov 26, 2012

Breast cancer scans possible with a 25 times reduced radiation dose

Scientists have developed a method to produce 3D X-ray images of the breast with a radiation dose 25 times lower than current hospital scanners, enabling improved diagnosis and potentially reducing breast cancer mortality. The new technique combines high-energy X-rays, phase contrast imaging, and advanced mathematical algorithms.

SourceEuropean Synchrotron Radiation Facility·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 22, 2012

Aqueous iron interacts as strong as solid iron

Researchers developed a new method called inverse Partial Fluorescence Yield (iPFY) that allows them to examine the structure of metal ions-complexes in solution without sample damage. The study found that iron ions interact strongly with water, contradicting previous thoughts.

SourceHelmholtz Association·JournalThe Journal of Physical Chemistry Letters·DateJul 6, 2012