Extraordinary anabasis has been constructed over the past two decades in the development and expansion of modern medical imaging technologies. The evolution of advancements, including computed tomography, positron emission tomography, and magnetic resonance imaging, as well as considerable innovations to conventional imaging modalities, have revolutionized medical imaging in remarkable strides. These advancements in imaging and informative technology have led to the increased prominence of those who commenced the discoveries, back in the 1800s. Furthermore, there were many remarkable inventions and milestones, through the duration of time, that have transformed the healthcare science admitted today. Perhaps the most paramount topic of discussion …show more content…
In 1895, a physicist, Wilhelm Röntgen, observed the hands of himself and his wife on a photographic plate; this created much commotion, and soon, physicians began to exploit the technology of radiographs. Later, because of Röntgen's work, "skeletal trauma was being assessed" (2) and treated, and the "x-ray" became part of military medical practice in the time of World War I. Subsequently, the invention of the x-ray, a French scientist, Henri Becquerel, created another way of penetrating rays called natural phosphorescence, later called radioactivity. As Becquerel worked with his specialty, the uranium mineral, he discovered that this compound was able emanate its own radiation that "was able to be captured on a photographic film" (1). At the time of Becquerel's findings, Polish Marie Curie became fascinated with his work, and found herself suspicious that there may be "other sources of radioactivity within the uranium ore" (1). Curie's husband, Pierre, assisted in her work, and in 1898 the Curies founded another radioactive element within the ore; they called it polonium after their country, and in 1903 won the Noble Prize for physics because of this breakthrough. Thus, there were many astute individuals that helped to develop the technology leading up to the medical imaging mechanisms used …show more content…
For the first fifty years, following the invention of the x-ray, doctors and physicians focused an examination on the area of the body, which was of interest, and then transferred it to a piece of film (3). The next amelioration involved the use of florescent screens and special glasses to enable experts to see x-ray images in real time. Sequentially, in 1955, the x-ray image intensifier was created "to allow the pickup and display of the x-ray movie using a television camera and monitor” (3). Next, in the 1960s, the idea of "sonar" was produced and applied to diagnostic imaging. In the following decade, digital imaging techniques were implemented with “the first clinical use of the Computed Tomography, or CT scanner” (3), which was invented by Godfrey Hounsfield. Lastly, Magnetic Resonance Imaging (also referred to as MRI) was first researched in the early 1970s and clinically tested by 1990; the MRI was cleared for commercial use in 1984 and has since grown to be a significant aspect of medical imaging today. The evolution of medical imaging has increased drastically through many prominent breakthroughs and has enabled visual concepts to strengthen the ability of medical treatment and