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…

This article describes a project of unwrapping an ancient Egyptian mummy using x-ray computed tomography (CT). About 600 x-ray CT images were obtained through the mummified body of a female named Tjetmutjengebtiu (or Jeni for short), who was a singer in the great temple of Karnak in Egypt during the 22nd dynasty (c 945-715 BC). The x-ray CT images…

Describes the use of nuclear medicine techniques in diagnosis and therapy. Describes instrumentation in diagnostic nuclear medicine and predicts future trends in nuclear medicine imaging technology. (Author/MM)

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 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)

Describes computed tomography (CT), a medical imaging technique that produces images of transaxial planes through the human body. A CT image is reconstructed mathematically from a large number of one-dimensional projections of a plane. The technique is used in radiological examinations and radiotherapy treatment planning. (Author/MM)

Presents a brief history of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and an overview of the underlying physics followed by a short survey of current and emerging clinical applications. (Author/MM)

Reviews the role of the radiotherapy branch of medical physics. (SL)

Discusses some aspects in X-ray topography, including formation of dislocations, characteristics of stacking faults, x-ray contrast in defect inspection, Berg-Barrett technique, and Lang traversing crystal and Borrmann's methods. (CC)

Discussed are technological advances applying computer techniques for image acquisition and processing, including digital radiography, computed tomography, and nuclear magnetic resonance imaging. Several diagrams and pictures showing the use of each technique are presented. (YP)

Discussed is a radionuclide imaging technique, including the gamma camera, image analysis computer, radiopharmaceuticals, and positron emission tomography. Several pictures showing the use of this technique are presented. (YP)