Developments in contact X-ray microscopy in biomedical research

Contact X-ray microscopy (microradiography) is a method of studying the microstructure of biological tissue. These techniques have been used to study the historadiological details of human breast tissue and sections of human ear ossicles. X-ray microscopy can also be used to demonstrate variations in structural densities seen in histological specimens including the detection of microcalcification. A modification of existing apparatus is described which has resulted in improved image-contrast and detail. The ability of X-rays to penetrate relatively thick sections of tissue makes it an ideal method for studying the morphology of biological structures, particularly in calcified tissue. The tissues may be further examined by conventional histology, elemental analysis, etc. The technique has a complementary role to alternative methods of tissue microscopy.