Synchrotron x-rays are unique in their intensity, brilliance and tuneable energy spectrum. Their flexibility has allowed the development of a number of novel x-ray imaging and therapy methodologies that cannot be performed with conventional equipment.
In imaging, exquisite spatial resolution coupled with high time resolution and soft tissue contrast are just some of the technical enhancements that have been realised.
In therapy, the unique nature of synchrotron beams has reawakened interest in orthovoltage methodologies but with novel parameters such as single fraction doses in excess of 500Gy.
The cost of synchrotrons means that they are likely to remain development tools but ideas tested and proven using synchrotrons are driving technical developments which will be translated into the clinic. Indeed, the first of these has already happened.
The Imaging and Therapy Beamline at the Australian Synchrotron is now nearing completion. It will give Australasian researchers one of the finest facilities in the world with which to explore the use of x-rays for both imaging and therapy. Initial work will be performed on animals but the beamline will be fully capable of imaging and treating human patients once the benefits are clearly established.

The status of the beamline will be described together with its specifications and some preliminary results will be shown together with an overview of the research areas that are driving its design.

Specific examples include;

· Improving aeration of premature babies: Low dose X-ray image sequences of newborn lungs that reveal alveolar structure and the first breaths after birth
· Cell tracking in animals revealing metastatic behaviour
· Microbeam radiotherapy with remarkable skin sparing properties