Mass-energy equivalence, famously expressed as $E=m{c}^2$, posits that mass and energy are fundamentally interchangeable and are two forms of the same entity, with a small amount of mass being equivalent to a vast amount of energy due to the speed of light squared ($c^2$) being a very large number.[1] [2] This principle is a cornerstone of Albert Einstein's special theory of relativity and explains phenomena like the immense energy released in nuclear reactions, where a tiny fraction of mass is converted into energy.[3] [4]

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While the direct application of $E=m{c}^2$ in daily health contexts isn't immediately apparent, its underlying principles have profound implications for medical science and technology. For instance, nuclear medicine, which is crucial for diagnosis and treatment, directly leverages the principles of mass-energy equivalence.[5] Techniques like Positron Emission Tomography (PET) scans utilize radioactive isotopes that undergo positron emission, a process where mass is converted into energy (gamma rays) which are then detected to create images of metabolic activity within the body.[6] Similarly, radiation therapy for cancer treatment involves using high-energy radiation, often generated from nuclear processes, to destroy cancerous cells.[7] The understanding that mass can be converted into energy allows for the development of these powerful diagnostic and therapeutic tools, ultimately improving human health outcomes.[8] Furthermore, the stability of atomic nuclei, which is governed by mass-energy relationships (specifically, the mass defect and binding energy), is fundamental to understanding the composition of the human body and the interactions of various elements within it.[9]