Researchers at Oak Ridge National Laboratory are developing a CAT scanning machine that eventually could allow small children or patients with special medical conditions to be scanned without having to be restrained, be anesthetized or remain virtually still. The machine initially will be used for "restraint-free" scanning of mice, meaning that the mouse will not have to be put to sleep and will be free to move in a limited way. Future directions could include expanding this concept to CT machines used for humans.