New Books in Science Daniel K. Sodickson, "The Future of Seeing: How Imaging is Changing the World" (Columbia UP, 2025)
Oct 3, 2025
Daniel K. Sodickson, a physicist and innovation chief at NYU Grossman School of Medicine, explores the evolution and future of imaging technologies. He uncovers the transformative power of imaging, from historic inventions like X-rays to the potential of AI in personalized medicine. Sodickson discusses how imaging shapes our understanding of health and privacy, emphasizing the rise of continuous data streams and the emerging concept of 'Everywhere Scanners.' His insights challenge us to rethink the balance between image quality and useful information.
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Imaging As Spatial Information
- Images are spatially organized information that map what is where around or within us.
- Daniel K. Sodickson argues imaging shapes science, medicine, and daily life and deserves wider public understanding.
The Accidental Birth Of X-Rays
- Wilhelm Röntgen accidentally discovered X-rays by noticing a phosphorescent screen glowing during cathode-ray experiments.
- He photographed his wife's hand and produced the first X-ray image that immediately captivated the world.
Tomography Reveals Hidden Depth
- Tomography reconstructs internal slices by combining projections from many angles instead of a single compressed view.
- CT, MRI, PET, and ultrasound all exploit multi-angle projections to reveal 3D structures noninvasively.
