Hollywood visual effects specialists and radiology experts don’t often trade technology tips. But a new way to view diagnostic imaging in a more realistic light takes its cues from moviemakers. Cinematic rendering is a process to bring light to CT and MRI images more realistically, helping radiologists and others looking at the scans to more easily see potential problems. Undark, an online science magazine, took a look at this new imaging development.

Experts explain that the new programs’ main function could be in explaining conditions to people who aren’t trained in reading MRIs or CT scans, such as patients, radiology students and doctors who don’t deal with diagnostic imaging regularly. Traditional 2-D scans, read by radiologists, will probably still make up the crux of diagnostic imaging for the foreseeable future, but opportunities exist with improved technology.

Check out Undark for more about the technology’s development.