Diffraction enhanced imaging (DEI) is a new x-ray radiographic imaging technique using synchrotron x-rays that produces images of thick absorbing objects with minimal scatter. It provides significantly improved contrast compared to standard imaging, based on both attenuation, refraction, and diffraction properties of the sample. The diffraction and absorption components can be determined independently, potentially improving image quality for medical applications like mammography. The technique involves using a perfect crystal analyzer and taking digital images at different analyzer positions to produce apparent absorption and refraction images. Experiments at the National Synchrotron Light Source demonstrated that refraction effects can be separated from absorption by taking images at two positions on either side of the rocking curve. This method can enhance objects with different small angle scattering characteristics. Further experiments at the Advanced Photon Source used biological phantoms with embedded tumors to study DEI's tissue characterization capability. Preliminary results showed that DEI can enhance features in biological objects, such as the edges of tumors. Images taken at different analyzer positions on the rocking curve revealed different features, indicating DEI's sensitivity to extinction and refraction contrast in cancerous tissue. The results suggest that DEI can provide new information about biological samples, potentially improving diagnostic imaging. The technique is energy independent and may be applicable at higher x-ray energies, which could be explored further. The study was supported by various grants and contracts, and the authors acknowledge the support of Fuji Medical Systems and the APS SRICAT staff.Diffraction enhanced imaging (DEI) is a new x-ray radiographic imaging technique using synchrotron x-rays that produces images of thick absorbing objects with minimal scatter. It provides significantly improved contrast compared to standard imaging, based on both attenuation, refraction, and diffraction properties of the sample. The diffraction and absorption components can be determined independently, potentially improving image quality for medical applications like mammography. The technique involves using a perfect crystal analyzer and taking digital images at different analyzer positions to produce apparent absorption and refraction images. Experiments at the National Synchrotron Light Source demonstrated that refraction effects can be separated from absorption by taking images at two positions on either side of the rocking curve. This method can enhance objects with different small angle scattering characteristics. Further experiments at the Advanced Photon Source used biological phantoms with embedded tumors to study DEI's tissue characterization capability. Preliminary results showed that DEI can enhance features in biological objects, such as the edges of tumors. Images taken at different analyzer positions on the rocking curve revealed different features, indicating DEI's sensitivity to extinction and refraction contrast in cancerous tissue. The results suggest that DEI can provide new information about biological samples, potentially improving diagnostic imaging. The technique is energy independent and may be applicable at higher x-ray energies, which could be explored further. The study was supported by various grants and contracts, and the authors acknowledge the support of Fuji Medical Systems and the APS SRICAT staff.