Detecting early-stage cancer or subtle changes deep inside tissues has long challenged conventional X-ray systems, which rely only on how structures absorb radiation. This limitation keeps many microstructural changes—like early lung damage or small tumors—effectively invisible. Now, researchers have developed a single-shot X-ray imaging method that reveals hidden features without requiring multiple exposures or moving parts, offering a clearer, faster, and lower-dose diagnostic solution.

The breakthrough system, developed at the University of Houston (Houston, TX, USA), uses a single slatted mask placed between the X-ray source and detector, enabling the capture of attenuation, differential phase, and dark-field contrast simultaneously. These expanded contrasts show boundary details, subtle shifts in tissue structure, and micro-level scattering patterns that traditional scans cannot capture. This motion-free configuration eliminates the long exposure times associated with earlier advanced imaging methods, which often require 10 to 20 repeated movements of system components.

By capturing all diagnostic information in one shot, the method reduces patient radiation dose and speeds up workflows. The dark-field contrast is especially promising for detecting lung diseases such as COPD and monitoring structural changes during lung cancer therapy. The researchers note that their patent-pending design, which appears in the scientific journal Optica, can be integrated into existing X-ray and CT systems with minimal modifications, making clinical translation highly feasible.

“We know there will be benefit, but how much that will help clinicians diagnose, detect and follow up for therapy monitoring is an open avenue right now,” said UH Professor Mini Das. “We expect that this will become practical, translatable.”

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