Synchrotron X-ray tomographic microscopy

Synchrotron X-ray tomographic microscopy is a 3-D scanning technique that allows non-invasive high definition scans of objects with details as fine as 1,000th of a millimetre, meaning it has two to three thousand times the resolution of a traditional medical CT scan.

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Applications to Palaeontology

Synchrotron X-ray tomographic microscopy has been applied in the field of palaeontology to perform non-destructive internal examination of fossil's, including fossil embryos to be made. Scientists feel this technology has the potential to revolutionize the field of paleontology. The first team to use the technique have published their findings in Nature, which they believe "could roll back the evolutionary history of arthropods like insects and spiders."^{[1] [2] [3]}

Applications to Archaeology

Archaeologists are increasingly turning to Synchrotron X-ray tomographic microscopy as a non-destructive means to examine ancient specimens^[4].

See also

• Synchrotron
• X-ray
• List of fossil sites (with link directory)

References

1. ^ Nature – Synchrotron X-ray tomographic microscopy of fossil embryos 2006-02-21
2. ^ MSNBC – Breakthrough gives 3-D vision of life’s dawn 2006-08-09
3. ^ BBC News – Tiny fossils reveal inner secrets 2006-10-13
4. ^ BBC News – 'Super-scope' to see hidden texts 2007-09-13

Category:Microscopy