Although there is confusion with other dates, July 6 celebrated on the day The BeatlesSo, on that day, in 1957, its founders met, very young John Lennon and Paul McCartney. This is a good day to remember what many consider to be the best rock band of all time. A great moment to remember them musically as well as other lesser known aspects. For example, if today we can do a CT scanor use it for other purposes, it’s thanks to them.
This does not mean that they invented TAC, far from it. In fact, the first person we should thank is Sir Godfrey Hounsfieldan English electronics engineer who in 1968 led a research group in the field of X-rays. They believed that they had the key to developing a machine capable of receiving images of sections or parts of the same object. This would allow a 3D representation instead of a flat image and could have very interesting applications in the medical field. Unfortunately, they needed funding to do so. And that funding came from the successful launch of the famous white albumfrom The Beatles.
So was born computed axial tomography (CT), thanks to which today it is possible to diagnose tumors, find blood clots in blood vessels or kidney stones. All of this was made possible by science and also by The Beatles. And the fact is that in fact we have something to thank them for, besides their music.
The Beatles’ role in the birth of TAC
Shortly after receiving his degree in electronics engineering, Hounsfield went to work for Amy record company
This company served a dual purpose. On the one hand, he was dedicated electronics manufacturing. Among them, he singled out the system 405 line television, but many other devices were created under his seal. Initially, Hounsfield was engaged in the development of radar. However, ten years after entering, he began to engage in research in the field of x-rays.
On the other hand, EMI has become the most important record label in the United Kingdom. Under his label were recordings of artists such as Queen, Pink Floyd, Frank Sinatra, The Beach Boys or The Beatles. And it was they who indirectly helped Hounsfield.
The Beatles, a record also known as white album it was a bestseller which made a big profit for the record company. Therefore, given the medical interest in the research of this electronic engineer, it was decided to donate them to his work. Thus, he completed the creation of the first computed axial tomography (CT).
A group much loved by scientists
Among the members of The Beatles there was no astrophysicist, as in Queen. Despite this, scientists have always admired this group. How responsible for baptism LucyHe Australopithecus afarensis found in 1974 when its discoverers were listening Lucy in the sky with diamonds.
Also one of the most important books on molecular biology in history, taught by university students in professions such as medicine, biology or biotechnology, paid homage to The Beatles. Near Molecular biology of the cellpopularly known by the name of one of its authors, Alberts. In its third edition, published in 1994, its authors posed on the back cover, imitating The Beatles’ layout on the magazine’s cover. Abbey Road. Why not? This admiration for the science of the Liverpool group also developed into asteroid baptized as each of its members: Lennon, McCartney, Starr and Harrison.
However, none of this outweighs the importance of CT, which today allows such early, life-saving diagnoses. Long live science and long live Rock’n’roll.
Source: Hiper Textual
