3D X-Rays Show Nanosized Details

Author: Gwyneth Dickey

Journal: Science News

Date: October 23, 2010

Page: 8

Summmary: A new x-ray microscope allows scientists to view a 3D image of their samples, in which they can see things as small as 100 nanometers. This microscope was first tested on a small mouse bone. From the scan scientist found "hidey-holes for cells in the bone matrix and connecting channels between those pockets". The way this microscope works is that a beam of x-rays is sent through the sample and then to a photon-counting detector, which forms a two dimensional image of the sample, which is then turned three dimensional using a computer program.

Approach: The scientist tried to make x-rays similar to how a brain CT scan is created.

Type of Science: This article is an example of hypothesis based science because the scientists are trying to make an x-ray scan similar to a CT scan on purpose, it was not a discovery.

Importance: Now scientists can observe x-rays more closely, and by being able to see such small things they can make new discoveries regarding bones, and other things that are shown in this x-ray scan. It can also be used in airport security to prevent terrorism.