RightHealth Daily Dose » x-ray

Do Airport Full-Body Scanners Pose Health Risks?

Steven — Thu, 31 Dec 2009 05:29:04 +0000

Due to the recent bombing attempt of a U.S.-bound airplane, questions are being asked, again, about whether full-body scanners pose any significant health risks. The two types of full-body scanners either use high frequency radio waves (Millimeter Wave Scanners) or low-level x-rays (Backscatter Scanners). According to the U.S. Transportation Security Agency, the radiation emitted by a millimeter wave scanner is less than the amount emitted by a cell phone. Backscatter scanners, unlike X-rays which penetrate objects, use rays that scatter when they hit materials, allowing computers to render a detailed image of an object. The amount of radiation delivered by a backscatter scanner is less than 2% of the daily background radiation we receive as we go about our daily lives. Therefore, as of now, it would appear that full-body scanners are relatively safe for their intent and purpose. Aside from the controversy regarding potential health risks, there are privacy concerns since they do produce essentially naked images of passengers. Full-body scanners are currently used at Manchester Airport in England and Tokyo’s Narita Airport in Japan. Fifteen of them will soon be put to use in Amsterdam’s Schiphol airport. [via CNN Travel]

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iPhones Can Diagnose Your Appendicitis…Almost

Steven — Tue, 01 Dec 2009 05:38:29 +0000

A new Johns Hopkins University study is validating the potential of smart phones in medical care. Since the debut of the iPhone, one of the most-often demonstrated medical uses of the device are radiological applications which allow physicians to view x-rays, CT scans and MRIs wirelessly. However, are these images comparable to the high-end workstations found in the radiologist’s office? Are pictures displayed on such a small screen sufficient for physicians to make accurate diagnoses? According to this current study, it appears radiologists were able to just as accurately diagnose an appendicitis on an iPhone 3G as on their office computers, with one major difference – portability. Fifteen of the 25 study patients were correctly identified as having acute appendicitis on 74 of 75 interpretations. Being able to accurately diagnose a medical emergency, such as an appendicitis, without having to be tied to a workstation may save valuable time, especially in areas where radiologists may not be available immediately. Perhaps it’s just a matter of time until someone writes a program which will allow computers to automatically detect an appendicitis without the radiologist. [via Medical News Today]

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London Museum’s Top Scientific Discoveries

Steven — Thu, 11 Jun 2009 06:08:33 +0000

The Science Museum of London has compiled a list of what they consider to be their top ten possessions, three of which have revolutionized the world of medicine. In the museum’s collection rests one of the world’s oldest x-ray machines, the original DNA double helix model created by Watson and Crick in 1953, and the original penicillin mold owned by Alexander Fleming that eventually led to the discovery of the penicillin antibiotic. Can you imagine medicine today without x-rays or antibiotics? Or what it must feel like to not know that DNA is the code to all life on Earth? The museum is currently displaying these items as part of their 100 Anniversary celebration. Visit the museum’s website to vote for your top scientific discovery.

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The Anatomical Realities of Sword Swallowing

Steven — Mon, 09 Mar 2009 06:26:32 +0000

The morning after daylight savings time begins is usually more stressful due to the decreased amount of sleep we get. Which is why we will begin this week of doses with something less taxing…the anatomy of sword swallowing. First of all, did you know that sword swallowers really do swallow swords? There’s no trickery, illusion, or slight of hand here. All it takes is plenty of practice and getting your body to do what it reflexively doesn’t want to. Suppression of the gag reflex is the first thing, followed by learning to flick your epiglottis out of the way with the sword on the way down through your airway and into your esophagus, keeping in mind that your heart nestles right next to it and any wrong doing could potentially cause serious damage. The remainder of the feat requires you to navigate through the lower esophagus and finally into the stomach at which time you must suppress the stomach’s retch reflex. Sounds simple? Continue reading about removing the sword…

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