About X-Rays

One of the greatest advancements in the medical field was the discovery of x rays. The use of x-ray technology has allowed doctors to detect the presence of tumors, broken bones and other health conditions. We are all familiar with x rays, but beyond that, many of us know very little about them. Let's take a look at the discovery of x rays and how that discovery affected the fields of science and medicine.

Invented

• In 1895, a German physicist named Wilhelm Roentgen discovered x rays.

History of

• Most people are unaware of the exact nature of x rays, which are a form of electromagnetic waves that can penetrate matter. Roentgen took a film of his wife's hand using x rays to reveal the bones in her hand and the ring on her finger. This was the first x ray ever taken. Wilhelm called the discovery of these new rays "x" rays, meaning unknown. The discovery brought Wilhelm the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1901.

Benefits

• Shortly after the discovery of x rays, other scientists began to experiment and x rays were soon being used in the medical field. Not only have x rays been used in the detection of broken bones, tumors, swallowed objects and more, they have also been used in a therapeutic capacity, such as in the treatment of cancer. In fact, radiography is the main form of treatment utilized to combat cancer. Eventually, x rays moved into other fields such as dentistry.

Evolution

• Today we tend to take technology such as x rays for granted. A physician's order of an x ray would be considered rather routine. Physicians use x rays to detect the presence of pneumonia or lung cancer, which may be observed through a chest x ray film. Computed Tomography, also known as a CT or Cat Scan, uses x rays to make images of the body that allow a better view and enable detection of such disorders or conditions even easier. A CAT scan uses a computer to allow a precision view inside the body.

Risk Factors

• When scientists began to experiment with x rays shortly after their discovery, many of them received significant burns to the skin and others noticed burning and pain in the eyes. Even today, people are often proteced by a lead shield when x ray technology is used.

The Facts

• X rays don't just exist within the confines of the medical field. The sun emits x rays, as well as certain types of stars and even black holes. X rays are one of the universe's mysteries that have been harnessed for the benefit of humankind. Their use has come a long way since Roentgen's amazing discovery.