New technology developed by researchers at the University of Houston could revolutionize medical imaging and lead to faster, more precise and more cost-effective alternatives to traditional diagnostic methods.
For years, doctors have relied on conventional 2D X-rays to diagnose common bone fractures, but small breaks or soft tissue damage like cancers often go undetected. More expensive and time-consuming MRI scans are not always suitable for these tasks in these detection or screening settings. Now, Mini Das, Moores professor at UH’s College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics with a joint appointment in the Biomedical Engineering Department at the Cullen College of Engineering, has developed a 3D solution.
In a paper featured on the cover of the Journal of Medical Imaging, Das explains how photon counting detectors along with novel algorithms allow for more precise 3D visualization of different tissues and contrast agents by capturing X-rays at multiple energy levels simultaneously, which helps differentiate materials inside the body.
“There are so many other potential applications for this technology including in materials imaging, baggage scanning for security, imaging for geophysics, and micro- and nano-electronics imaging — it’s very promising,” she said.
“Right now, X-rays used in medical clinics and other industries collect incoming photons as a whole, similar to how white light contains all the colors, but they aren’t separated,” Das says. “So, while they can show differences in density — like distinguishing between bone and soft tissue — they can’t tell us exactly what materials are present.”
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