New technological advances in the field of science and medicine are allowing scientists to rediscover lost cultures from the inside out. CT scans are helping scientists view artifacts from ancient times and determine how they have changed throughout the years.

At an Oct. 14 conference event at the Art Institute of Chicago, 111 S. Michigan Ave., scientists unveiled one example of how to use these CT scans by examining the Statue of Osiris.  Osiris is one of the oldest Egyptian gods for whom records have been found. Scientists put the Egyptian statue, now at the Art Institute, under the CT machine and they were able to determine what materials were used to build the famous statue.  Additionally, scientists were able to see where and if the statue was altered through previous preservations.

By putting  artifacts such as Osiris under CT machines, a method of making three-dimensional computerized X-ray images, researchers can determine where the artifacts came from, what they represent and if they have been altered throughout the years from handling and other procedures. These are new advances that scientists didn’t have before through regular X-ray and MRI scans.

The art and science cultures clearly mix ed when an old mummy was placed under the CT machine and scientists were actually able to see the skeleton of the mummy. No unwrapping was needed because the CT scans were able to see through the wooden case and the wrapping and expose the mummy in the purest form.

Alan Schriesheim, president of The Chicago Council on Science and Technology, said the importance of the event is increasing the awareness of what science and technology can do when used together.

“Tonight, we have an example of the interface between art and antiquities and science and technology,” Schriesheim said.“ [It’s about] how science and technology can tell us something about the art and antiquities and what goes into originally making them.”

This goes beyond just science and art; it also shows people how advanced civilizations lived and what materials they were accustomed to.

JP Brown, Regenstein Conservator for Pacific Anthropology at the Field Museum, said CT scans can verify the origin of the artifact along with their history.

“CT scanning allows you to look inside these objects,” Brown said. “Being able to CT scan something allows you to find out how pieces of wood are attached to the artifact and how well it’s attached.”

Another important use of the CT scans is determining what specific artifacts were used for. For example, before the technological advances of the CT scans, scientists couldn’t determine that the monkey cup they found in Peru was actually used as a whistle. Once they scanned it, they were able to see the inside of it and determine its use without damaging the artifact. After the scans, they were able to actually test the instrument and their theory that it was used as a whistle proved to be correct.

Critics argue that science shouldn’t mix with art because it may decrease the value of the art and some things are just better left to the imagination.

“Most people today believe that there is an interface that exists between the two, where they can both influence one another,” Schriesheim said.

This scientific advancement can lead scientists to more in-depth research about mummies in the future.

Michael Vannier, professor of radiology at The University of Chicago, works with CT scans for a living. He has also been involved with the post-processing image visualization software methods for CT scans both as   user and a developer.

“CT technology has many important advantages for art, just as it does in medicine,” Vannier said. “It’s completely non-destructive and although it uses ionizing radiation which is potentially harmful to living individuals, on art objects, it’s not a concern.”