We are applying x-ray microtomographic imaging (microCT) to a variety ofresearch problems in development and evolution, including comparative embryology, functional morphology, and morphometric studies. We are not a service facility, but we are interested in discussing productive collaborations.
The lab has two microCT scanning systems, both self-contained (i.e. no synchrotron source). The big one is a MicroXCT model manufactured by Xradia, Inc., capable of tomographic imaging of biological objects from about 5mm down to less than 500µm in size, with possible resolutions below 2µm. The smaller scanner is a SkyScan 1174 for lower resolution imaging of larger specimens. This is a low-cost scanner made for samples up to about 30mm, and gives spatial resolutions down to about 20µm.
Some recent publications about or featuring microCT imaging:
Metscher BD, Müller GB. 2011. MicroCT for Molecular Imaging: Quantitative Visualization of Complete 3D Distributions of Gene Products in Embryonic Limbs. Dev Dynam 240:2301-2308.
Metscher, B.D. 2009. MicroCT for comparative morphology: simple staining methods allow high-contrast 3D imaging of diverse non-mineralized tissues. BMC Physiology 9 (11).
Metscher, B.D. 2009. MicroCT for developmental biology: A versatile tool for high-contrast 3D imaging at histological resolutions. Dev Dyn 238(3): 632-640.
Herdina, A.N., Herzig-Straschil, B., Hilgers, H., Metscher, B.D., and Plenk, H. 2010. Histomorphology of the Penis Bone (Baculum) in the Gray Long-Eared Bat Plecotus austriacus (Chiroptera, Vespertilionidae). Anatomical Record 293(7): 1248-1258.
Eberhard, M.J.B., Lang, D., Metscher, B., Pass, G., Picker, M.D., and Wolf, H. 2010. Structure and sensory physiology of the leg scolopidial organs in Mantophasmatodea and their role in vibrational communication. Arthropod Structure & Development 39(4): 230-241.
Metscher, B.D. 2010. X-Ray Microtomographic Imaging of Vertebrate Embryos. Ch. 52 in Imaging in Developmental Biology: A Laboratory Manual (ed. R.W. James Sharpe, Rafael Yuste). Cold Spring Harbor Press.
Schmidt, J., Schuff, M., and Olsson, L. 2011. A role for FoxN3 in the development of cranial cartilages and muscles in Xenopus laevis (Amphibia: Anura: Pipidae) with special emphasis on the novel rostral cartilages. J Anat 218(2): 226-242.
