Researchers at the University of Texas at Dallas (Dr. Kenneth O, professor of electrical engineering, and his colleagues) have developed a CMOS chip that will enable smart phone cameras to ‘see through’ objects (walls, skin, et cetera). The camera will use signals in the terahertz range (THz) of the electromagnetic spectrum. The T-ray, as it is being called, has a much less intense radiation field than the X-ray, and may provide health professionals with immediate benefits [photo credit (Kenneth O & Dae Yeon Kim): UTD]

There are numerous positive applications, among them, scanning for skin cancer, breast cancer, tooth decay, and damage inside building walls.

I suppose that in the hands of a creep there are negative applications as well: it probably has the ability to ‘see through’ clothing. Improper cancer self-diagnosis and hypochondria may be more prevalent as well.

It must be more difficult every day for people to write science fiction.