Micro-computed tomography for natural history specimens: a handbook of best practice protocols

  • Kleoniki Keklikoglou Institute of Marine Biology, Biotechnology and Aquaculture, Hellenic Centre for Marine Research, Thalassocosmos, 71003 Heraklion, Crete
  • Sarah Faulwetter University of Patras, Department of Zoology, Section of Marine Biology, 26504 Patras
  • Eva Chatzinikolaou Institute of Marine Biology, Biotechnology and Aquaculture, Hellenic Centre for Marine Research, Thalassocosmos, 71003 Heraklion, Crete
  • Patricia Wils CNRS UMS 2700, Muséum national d’Histoire naturelle, Paris
  • Jonathan Brecko Scientific Heritage Service, Royal Belgian Institute of Natural Sciences, Vautierstraat 29, 1000 Brussels
  • Jiří Kvaček Department of Palaeontology, National Museum Prague, Václavské náměstí 68, 110 00, Praha 1
  • Brian Metscher Department of Theoretical Biology, University of Vienna, Althanstrasse 14, 1090 Vienn
  • Christos Arvanitidis Institute of Marine Biology, Biotechnology and Aquaculture, Hellenic Centre for Marine Research, Thalassocosmos, 71003 Heraklion, Crete
DOI: https://doi.org/10.5852/ejt.2019.522
Keywords: micro-CT, microtomography, museum specimens, 3D visualisation, virtual specimens

Abstract

Micro-computed tomography (micro-CT or microtomography) is a non-destructive imaging technique using X-rays which allows the digitisation of an object in three dimensions. The ability of micro-CT imaging to visualise both internal and external features of an object, without destroying the specimen, makes the technique ideal for the digitisation of valuable natural history collections. This handbook serves as a comprehensive guide to laboratory micro-CT imaging of different types of natural history specimens, including zoological, botanical, palaeontological and geological samples. The basic principles of the micro-CT technology are presented, as well as protocols, tips and tricks and use cases for each type of natural history specimen. Finally, data management protocols and a comprehensive list of institutions with micro-CT facilities, micro-CT manufacturers and relative software are included.

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Published
2019-04-30
How to Cite
Keklikoglou, K., Faulwetter, S., Chatzinikolaou, E., Wils, P., Brecko, J., Kvaček, J., Metscher, B., & Arvanitidis, C. (2019). Micro-computed tomography for natural history specimens: a handbook of best practice protocols. European Journal of Taxonomy, (522). https://doi.org/10.5852/ejt.2019.522
Issue
No. 522 (2019): Micro-computed tomography for natural history specimens: a handbook of best practice protocols
Section
Collection management

Copyright (c) 2019 Kleoniki Keklikoglou, Sarah Faulwetter, Eva Chatzinikolaou, Patricia Wils, Jonathan Brecko, Jiří Kvaček, Brian Metscher, Christos Arvanitidis

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