Cell phones may be medical imaging tools

JERUSALEM, April 30 (UPI) -- Israeli scientists say they've found a way to transmit medical images via cellular phones that might open such technology to most of Earth's peoples.

Hebrew University of Jerusalem Professor Boris Rubinsky said his concept might lead to providing sophisticated radiological diagnoses and treatment to people lacking access to such technology.

Rubinsky said his transmission system consists of two independent components connected through cellular phone technology. The concept could be developed with various medical imaging modalities.

"Imaging is considered one of the most important achievements in modern medicine … yet this advancement has been out of reach for millions of people in the world because the equipment is too costly to maintain," said Rubinsky. "Our system would make imaging technology inexpensive and accessible for these underserved populations."

The research that included Yair Granot and Antoni Ivorra appears in the online journal PLoS One.