It improved upon older radiation technology with a combination of new software and hardware that could mold a radiation beam to match the shape of a tumor.

WSJ: Medicare Investigation Reveals a Sharp Rise in Controversial and Expensive Prostate Cancer Treatment

But those tests cannot start until a special licence is granted because the process uses radiation and the technology has never been used in a UK prison.

BBC: Scanners ruled out for NI prison searches after pilot

Although dubious about the funding, the technology and the impact of radiation, Love applauds small enterprises like Mars One.

BBC: Applicants wanted for a one-way ticket to Mars

Williams says it can compete on price in areas with the right solar radiation and a sizeable military contract does help validate its technology.

FORBES: A Comeback For Infinia's Solar Power Heat Ray?

The basic concept is the same as that underpinning the "white roads" idea -- the development of a technology that can reflect a proportion of the sun's radiation away from the earth's surface and back out into space, thereby cooling the atmosphere and slowing, or even reversing the damaging effects of global climate change.

CNN: The shield of Ra: Could solar reflection save the planet?

According to the report, radiation experts convened by the Food and Drug Administration started raising concerns over use of the technology in 1998 when only 20 machines were in operation throughout the entire country.

FORBES: Europe Bans Airport Body Scanners For "Health and Safety" Concerns