We follow a radioactive sample from production in a reactor to its use in a biological application to model the complexities in the use of radioactive isotopes from a student's perspective. Specifically, we describe a way to use gamma ray detection outside the body to estimate the clearance rate of these radioisotopes from the body and how that…

A significant approach that should be followed by physics teachers at the secondary education level in order to enhance students' understanding is to highlight the generality of the mathematical procedures that describe different physical phenomena. In this paper, the common procedure that is used to calculate the duration of various physical…

Medical physics uses physics knowledge in medicine or healthcare. The question surrounding the methods of measuring temperature is important in medicine. The aim of this article is to explore the possibilities of using Microsoft Excel to study thermometers. The physical concepts and laws related to temperature measurement have been considered. The…

Explains how x-ray doses to patients are measured. Describes how different techniques expose patients to differing amounts of ionizing radiation. Compares these figures with other natural and man-made sources. (Author/MKR)

Describes principles involved in nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). (MKR)

Very sensitive SQUID (superconducting quantum interference device) detectors are used in the technique known as magnetoencephalography to provide dynamic images of the brain. This can help our fundamental understanding of the way the brain works and may be of particular use in treating disorders such as epilepsy. (Author/MKR)

Discusses four main types of medical imaging (x-ray, radionuclide, ultrasound, and magnetic resonance) and considers their relative merits. Describes important recent and possible future developments in image processing. (Author/MKR)

Discusses the field of nuclear medicine. (MKR)

Describes the physics of Doppler ultrasound used in measuring the velocity of blood flow. Discusses medical applications of this technique. (Author/MKR)

Soap bubbles excited using a vibration generator can be used to model the formation of a diatomic molecule because of their analogous properties to atomic orbitals. (Author)

Reviews the use of the x-ray computerised axial tomographic (CT) method of making pictures of internal structures of the human body. (SL)

Reviews the diagnostic and therapeutic uses of radioactive materials in nuclear medicine. (SL)

Reviews electrostatic imaging and xeroradiography techniques in diagnostic radiology. (SL)

Reviews the use of ultrasonic techniques for obtaining images of the internal conditions of the human body. (SL)