Has the increase in female medical researchers led to more medical advances for women? In this paper, we investigate if the gender of inventors shapes their types of inventions. Using data on the universe of US biomedical patents, we find that patents with women inventors are significantly more...

We describe how and why Magnetic Resource Imaging (MRI) came to complement – and partially replace -- computed tomography (CT) imaging of soft tissue. Specifically we chronicle: 1) the development of foundational techniques and prototypes (through the 1970s); 2) initial commercialization and...

We describe how the development of x-ray-based techniques and equipment (“mammography”) lead to widespread screening for breast cancer and enabled “minimally invasive” biopsies of breast tumors. Specifically, we chronicle how: 1) new protocols and equipment catalyzed the first widespread...

We describe how efforts on multiple fronts, including advocacy, training and technological development made ultrasound the second most commonly used diagnostic imaging technology (after X-rays). Specifically, we chronicle: 1) ultrasound's development and introduction in the 1950s and 1960s; 2)...

We describe how Computed Tomography (CT) scanners - that combine x-rays and computers to image soft tissues of the brain and other organs -- have become a widely used diagnostic tool. Specifically, we chronicle the: 1) development of the first CT scanner (through the early-1970s); 2) rapid and...

We describe how a diverse cast of characters including public health organizations, research laboratories, for-profit health care companies, activists and regulators, rolled back the outbreak of HIV/AIDS in just fifteen years. Moreover, as the case history shows, a stunning reduction in deaths...