A research team in Copenhagen at the Niels Bohr institute have come up with a more effective CT scan system. By using a concept that biologists use called “dark field microscopy” , researchers are able to get very clear and vivid x-rays that they couldn’t have been able to get previously. The only components that are needed are an x-ray machine as well as four silicon filters. However, the four filters require four pictures to get the result of the one final picture, meaning patients are being exposed to more radiation than what they would be from a standard x-ray. I find it interesting how every aspect of modern technology is constantly being improved on, regardless of it works well enough or not. “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it” does not apply anymore. The phrase “if it ain’t broke, make it better” embodies the mentality of researchers.

–Wyatt Berkover

http://technology.newscientist.com/article/dn13209-dark-field-xrays-reveal-bodies-in-new-detail.html