Two 2,200-year-old mummies get CT scans at USC. Here’s what researchers found out
By FRED SHUSTER | City News Service
USC radiologists unraveled some of ancient history’s mysteries recently when they conducted full-body CT scans of two Egyptian mummies whose bodies have been preserved for more than 2,200 years.
Keck Medicine of USC medical imaging experts normally use computed tomography (CT) scanners to diagnose and treat patients’ diseases and injuries. But, as the university announced Tuesday, when the mummies of two Egyptian priests — Nes-Min, circa 330 BCE, and Nes-Hor, circa 190 BCE — turned up, the advanced technology was just … tomb-perfect.
Keck Medicine of USC scans Nes-Hor, an ancient Egyptian mummy, using an innovative computed tomography (CT) scanner. (Photo by Ricardo Carrasco III)
Diane Perlov, PhD, left, senior vice president for special projects at the California Science Center, and Summer Decker, PhD, 3D imaging lead for Keck Medicine of USC, examine ancient Egyptian mummy Nes-Hor. (Photo by Ricardo Carrasco III)
Ancient Egyptian mummy Nes-Hor is scanned by Keck Medicine of USC radiologists. (Photo by Ricardo Carrasco III)
Keck Medicine of USC radiologists capture images of ancient Egyptian mummy, Nes-Hor. (Photo by Ricardo Carrasco III)
Ancient Egyptian mummy Nes-Hor is captured on screen during a full body CT scan by Keck Medicine of USC radiologists. (Photo by Ricardo Carrasco III)
Keck Medicine of USC CT scan reveals an image of ancient Egyptian mummy Nes-Hor’s skull. (Photo by Ricardo Carrasco III)
Keck Medicine of USC CT scans produce a detailed image of ancient Egyptian mummy Nes-Hor’s eye socket and jawbone. (Photo by Ricardo Carrasco III)
Ancient Egyptian mummy Nes-Min, who was scanned by Keck Medicine of USC radiologists, wears several beaded necklaces and a garment of heavily beaded net. (Photo by Ricardo Carrasco III)
Summer Decker, PhD, left, 3D imaging lead for Keck Medicine of USC, and Diane Perlov, senior vice president for special projects at the California Science Center, examine ancient Egyptian mummy Nes-Min before he is scanned. (Photo by Ricardo Carrasco III)
Ancient Egyptian mummy Nes-Min heads into a CT scan conducted by Keck Medicine of USC radiologists. (Photo by Ricardo Carrasco III)
Ancient Egyptian mummy Nes-Min enters a CT scanner operated by Keck Medicine of USC radiologists. (Photo by Ricardo Carrasco III)
Keck Medicine of USC radiologist scans ancient Egyptian mummy Nes-Min. (Photo by Ricardo Carrasco III)
Keck Medicine of USC imaging specialists capture Nes-Hor’s skull and facial features in a 3D digital model. (Photo courtesy of Keck Medicine of USC)
A Keck Medicine of USC 3D digital model of Nes-Hor’s full body provides a clear view of his skeleton. (Photo courtesy of Keck Medicine of USC)
Keck Medicine of USC imaging specialists create a 3D digital print of Nes-Hor’s hip. (Photo courtesy of Keck Medicine of USC)
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Keck Medicine of USC scans Nes-Hor, an ancient Egyptian mummy, using an innovative computed tomography (CT) scanner. (Photo by Ricardo Carrasco III)
Each mummy was scanned in its sarcophagus, which weighs about 200 pounds. The mummies were wrapped in linen shrouds, blackened with age. The older mummy, Nes-Min, was draped in a garment of heavily beaded net over his torso, and wore several strands of colorful beads.
It’s not easy to get into USC, no matter how old you are, but these relics didn’t even have to sit for their SATs.
Ancient Egyptian mummy Nes-Min heads into a CT scan conducted by Keck Medicine of USC radiologists. (Photo by Ricardo Carrasco III)
A state-of-the-art, 320-slice CT scanner revealed small details about their bodies that seemed to humanize them, including facial features such as eyelids and lower lips. The images also held cryptic clues about their health, life experiences and lifespans that might resonate with the living.
USC said analysis of the scans shows that Nes-Min probably suffered from an aching lower back like many of today’s humans who just don’t know how to unwind. His spine showed a collapsed lumbar or lower back vertebrae likely due to natural aging and wear and tear.
The mummy was buried with several artifacts, representing several scarab beetles and a fish.
A Keck Medicine of USC 3D digital model of Nes-Hor’s full body provides a clear view of his skeleton. (Photo courtesy of Keck Medicine of USC)
Nes-Hor’s scan revealed dental issues and a severely deteriorated hip, and that he was older at the time of death than Nes-Min.
“These scans provide a treasure trove of information made possible by Keck Medicine’s access to the latest in high-level scanning, coupled with the team’s expertise,” said Summer Decker, who leads 3D imaging for Keck Medicine and serves as director of the USC Center for Innovation in Medical Visualization.
After scanning the mummies, Decker and colleagues used the scans to create 3D digital models of the men. They also printed out life-size reproductions of the men’s spines, skulls and hips, as well as artifacts found with Nes-Min, using medical-grade 3D printers.
The mummies, along with the 3D digital models and 3D prints of select parts of their bodies, will be on display at “Mummies of the World: The Exhibition” — an exhibit at the California Science Center opening Saturday.
