As a matter of fact, the same technology that diagnoses a broken bone is also useful in ensuring our favorite loaf of bread is just the right texture. Or that it helps car manufacturers find tiny flaws in engine parts before they cause accidents. This is where CT scans move from the operating room to the factory floor, the research lab, and beyond.

In the food industry, for instance, micro-CT scans are used to examine the porosity of bread — essentially how much air is inside — to ensure it has the perfect chewiness. This might seem trivial, but it becomes a bigger deal when texture might likely play a huge role in how humans enjoy the food they consume.

Meanwhile, in manufacturing, CT scans are a crucial part of quality control. They can reveal internal defects in products like car parts or electronics, which are invisible to the naked eye. By addressing these issues early on, manufacturing companies can prevent costly recalls and ensure their products are safe for their customers.

And then there’s archaeology. CT scans have also been useful in studying fossils without damaging them, even revealing details about ancient creatures and plants that have been preserved for millions of years. This non-invasive method allows scientists to unlock secrets of the past without the risk of destroying priceless artifacts.