A research team that included scientists from the Paul Scherrer Institute(PSI,Aargau,Switzerland;www.psi.ch) has successfully enhanced mammography,an X-ray imaging technique used for early-stage tumor detection,leading to significantly improved reliability and a less distressing experience for patients.

The researchers extended conventional computed tomography(CT) to yield significantly higher image resolution while maintaining the same radiation dose.

This improvement could facilitate the earlier detection of small calcium deposits or microcalcifications,potential indicators of breast tumors,thus improving the survival prospects for affected women.