The above image was taken at MeVis, a division of the University of Bremen directed by Heinz-Otto Peitgen (Professor of Mathematics and Biomedical Sciences at the University of Bremen and Florida Atlantic University) that deals with medical research using fractal geometry.

One of the areas of medical research that MeVis addresses is breast cancer research. Fractal geometry was used to create a medical software package that produces images of breast tissue far superior to regular mammograms. Tumors can be caught in very early stages of growth, and are revealed completely, with no hidden areas, enabling a surgeon using this technology to know ahead of time precisely what he or she is facing. Before going in, the surgeon can make strategic decisions such as where the best place is to make an incision, and exactly how much tissue must be removed to have the best chance of getting all the cancer (which includes the tumor(s) and a range of surrounding tissue). Using the software, data is electronically transmitted from the doctor's office to MeVis, where they process the data and provide exact mappings that are used during surgery. There are times when emergency surgery waits upon the processing of this data. MeVis performs urgent processing requests at all hours of the day and night.

The purpose of this capsule is to provide a representative, cutting-edge glimpse of the usefulness of fractal geometry and how it is improving the quality of our lives. Professor Peitgen will soon be editing what I have written. For now, what is shown here is a synopsis based solely upon my recall and interpretation of information he presented in two lectures, the first in Summer 2002, the second in Summer 2003. It should be noted that the MeVis image belongs to them and cannot be used without their permission.