A peek inside
Neutron tomography can help scientists capture 3-D images of the insides of fossils and artifacts without damaging them. The technique can uncover hidden features within dense material that X-ray scanning can’t detect, James R. Riordon reported in “Seeing into the past” (SN: 11/4/23, p. 18).
Reader Rob Janes asked how the 3-D images are captured.
In neutron tomography, scientists blast beams of neutrons at an object they want to study, Riordon says. Detectors on the other side of the object record the proportion of neutrons that make it through without being reflected or absorbed along the way. Using that data, computer algorithms create virtual slices of the object, which can then be assembled to provide 3-D views of the object’s interior, he says.
Reader Heidi Wilson asked whether neutron tomography has been used on ancient manuscripts that can’t be unfolded.
X-ray computed tomography has been the go-to method for analyzing ancient manuscripts, Riordon says. The artifacts are generally made of low-density material, such as papyrus or parchment, that X-rays can effectively image.
One recent exception, reported in 2021 in Archaeometry, is a medieval amulet made of a folded lead scroll that contains inscriptions. Since X-rays cannot easily penetrate particularly dense materials like lead, the researchers turned to neutron tomography to virtually unfold the sheet and reveal the inscribed runes. “Although ancient metal manuscripts are comparatively rare, neutrons offer a way to read them without risking the damage that opening them up would cause,” Riordon says.
Thinking about loneliness
Social scientists are learning more about how feeling detached from animals, places and routines — not just people — can cause loneliness. These revelations may lead to new interventions, Sujata Gupta reported in “What is loneliness?” (SN: 11/4/23, p. 24).
“While reading [this story], I found myself once again…
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