Tumor imaging by Cerenkov Luminescence Tomography. Reconstructed Cerenkov luminescence tomography images fused with the computed tomography image of mouse. On the left, heart and bladder. On the right, cross-section revealing the presence of a tumor.

Volume 10 Story 5 - 8/9/2010

Cerenkov Photons: A Cancer Searchlight

Many victims of cancer could be saved if a simple, inexpensive tool for the early detection of cancer were available. Now, a new technique called Cerenkov luminescence tomography, looks likely to offer a ray of hope in that direction.
Laser spectroscopy to see the proton size. A complex laser system is needed to perform the muonic hydrogen experiment. The picture shows frequency doubling optics transforming infrared to green light.

Volume 10 Story 4 - 26/8/2010

Updating the Size of the Proton: Small Difference, Big Consequence

The proton, one of the building blocks of matter, is considerably smaller than previously measured — latest studies suggest. This result may well challenge our current understanding of nature.
How does the momentum of a photon change when it interacts with matter? Does it increase or decrease? Both viewpoint are actually correct, depending on which momentum is being considered.

Volume 10 Story 3 - 16/8/2010

Abraham vs. Minkowski 1-1

Does a photon gain or does it lose momentum when it enters a glass slab? Both may be the simple, yet ingenious answer to this centenary dilemma.