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Micro Photonics Blog

How much does a Micro-CT scanner cost?

The short answer is between $250,000 to over $1,000,000. The longer answer, and the reason for the wide price range, is that the price of a micro-CT depends on the types of samples you are scanning and the results you need from the system. This determines the resolution needed

X-ray Microscopic Examination of a Toy Nutcracker

 What could be more appropriate for the holidays than a nutcracker made from LEGO® bricks? The basic interlocking plastic bricks are made of acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), incorporated along with an array of gears and various other parts to make the nutcracker structure. ABS, like other common polymers,

X-ray Microscopic Examination of Bathroom Tissue Paper

Micro-CT imaging of toilet tissue allows us to study its structure, which can help manufacturers improve properties such as density and water absorption. Given that it wasn’t until 1930 that splinter-free toilet paper was introduced, toilet tissue has come a long way. This sample was imaged on our high-resolution

What is tribology and the science of wear or hand abrasion? An introduction

Tribology is the science of interacting surfaces in relative motion, including friction, lubrication, and wear. Hand or wear abrasion refers to the gradual wearing away or erosion of material due to repeated friction or rubbing of the human hand or fingers against another surface. Over time, constant rubbing or

How is Fingerprint and Wear Resistance Measured on Kitchen Appliances?

Abrasion marks on surfaces – caused by the human hand – are the main reason for perception of poor quality of a product. In today’s kitchens, sleek appliances are prized for their modern look, but maintaining a pristine appearance can be challenging due to fingerprints, smudges, and wear from

Utilizing Micro-CT to Study the Evolution of Bats

Vaibhav Chhaya PhD Candidate Department of Biology, University of Washington, Seattle Sharlene Santana, PhD Professor and Curator of Mammals Department of Biology and Burke Museum of Natural History and Culture University of Washington, Seattle Bats are quite diverse in appearance, comprising more than 1,400 species, and thereby provide an

Your lab team will love using the InAlyzer2 DEXA system

A user-friendly interface for intuitive operation With the right DEXA system for analyzing body composition for laboratory animals, you can save time and reduce errors with the InAlyzer2’s easy-to-use interface, so you can focus on your research. The DEXA InAlyzer2 offers superior speed & precision for measuring BMD and

Utilizing Micro-CT for Detailed Fish Examination

With more than 35,000 species of ray-finned fishes and about 500 sharks identified worldwide, fish demonstrate more species diversity than all other kinds of vertebrates. A unique project using micro-CT scanning is changing the way scientists, teachers, students, and amateur ichthyologists will be able to study any fish from

X-ray Microscopic Study of a Fossilized Trilobite

The last trilobites became extinct more than 250 million years ago, but the first fossils of trilobites appeared from the early Cambrian period, about 540 million years ago. Studies have mainly been of fossils exposed on the surface of rock slabs, and attempts to study structures preserved inside the

InAlyzer2 DEXA Provides Method to Remove Metal Artifacts

InAlyzer2 software provides superior ease-of-use in automating data collection Biomedical researchers can now remove metal artifacts such as Radio Frequency ID (RFID) microchips from sample analysis for small animal DEXA lab studies (Figure 1). This is particularly useful for longitudinal studies where lab animal identification microchips simplify the identification

Soft Tissue, Bone, and Metal Studies Utilizing Micro-CT

Gina D. Roque-Torres, DDS, MSc, Ph.D. Associate Professor, LOMA LINDA UNIVERSITY School of Dentistry – Center for Dental Research Loma Linda, CA 92354 Email: gdrtorres@llu.edu Figure 1. 3D renderings of a mouse mandible showing root resorption after orthodontic movement. As the manager of a micro-imaging research facility, you are

Micro-CT Studies for Biomimicry

Biomimicry is considered the bridge between biology and design, in which researchers observe traits in nature and adapt these natural models for human technology, systems, and design. These nature-inspired innovations are as wide-ranging as patterning the desalination of soil on the vascular systems of plants; mimicking the hooks on

X-ray Microscopic Examination of Pharmaceutical Tablets

 Micro-CT is an established method for quality control and formulation development in the pharmaceutical industry. The use of micro-CT for quality inspection and improvement emphasizes its capacity to evaluate dimensional information. With its ability to improve product quality, reduce inspection and analysis costs, and decrease manufacturing time to

X-ray Microscopic Comparison of Rechargeable AA Batteries

Animated High-Resolution Views of Rechargeable Batteries While more and more of our lives require electricity to keep things moving, the need to reduce waste streams leads to the increased adoption of rechargeable batteries in place of standard disposable alkaline cells. While rechargeable batteries are not a new technology, advances

Comparison Of SkyScan Desktop Instruments – Mouse Femur Imaging

Micro-CT-based morphological parameters are often used for assessment of 3D bone morphology in studies of small animals. Ex-vivo micro-CT imaging of mouse bones provides a rapid and reliably proving way for measuring many different morphological parameters that make suitable markers for bone growth and general health. These traits are

X-ray Microscopic Examination of a Rose

Approximately 250 million roses are grown around the world to prepare for the annual Valentine’s Day holiday each February.1 While roses are renowned for their beauty, ensuring that each field of farmed roses will be ready to blossom just in time for the holiday requires a balance of science

X-ray Microscopic Examination of Ion Exchange Resin Beads

To improve locally supplied water, many homes and businesses utilize a water pretreatment system at the junction where water is supplied into the facility. One common pre-treatment system in areas with hard water is a water softening system. Water softening systems utilize ion exchange resin beds to remove hardness

How does the InAlyzer2 DEXA system compare?

How does the InAlyzer2 DEXA system compare with other small animal laboratory instruments? For those who study obesity, genetics, cell physiology, bone, or soft tissue, the DEXA InAlyzer2 offers superior speed & precision for measuring BMD and BMC in small lab animals ~ simple, quick, noninvasive, and automated. Peer-reviewed

X-ray Microscopic Examination of Espresso Powder Porosity

 Figure 1: Rendered volumetric models of uncompressed (left) and 30 lb compressed espresso powders As winter sets in across the northern hemisphere, a recent study found that approximately 75 percent of Americans enjoy a coffee beverage each day with the most popular choice being a flavored latte.1 To

X-ray Microscopic Examination of Lily Pollen Grains

 Pollen is studied by archaeologists to learn about ancient communities, by paleobotanists to learn about former environments, and by scientists as part of forensic research, to study climate change, and to explore possibilities for plant breeding. Size, shape, number of apertures, and the surface texture are key characteristics

X-ray Microscopic Examination of an EMV® Chip Card

  Figure 1: Isolated credit card EMV chip contact pad and microchip sides To combat the rise in card skimming and other credit card fraud activities, most credit cards now contain a small EMV chip to boost card security. (EMV stands for Europay, Mastercard, and Visa, which are the

The VESUVIUS CHALLENGE

For all 3D imaging experts, computer scientists, and A.I. engineers, if you haven’t heard, there is a $1-million prize for deciphering the world’s largest collection of manuscripts from antiquity—the Herculaneum Scrolls, which are too fragile to unroll after being burned in the Mount Vesuvius eruption of 79 CE. https://scrollprize.org/

X-ray Microscopic Examination of Organic Polymeric Composites

Bioplastics are polymers produced from plant-based products such as wood or starch, and they can be naturally recycled by biological processes, limiting the use of fossil fuels. Bioplastics are now used in industrial applications such as food packaging, agriculture, composting bags, and hygiene, as well as in biomedical and

X-ray Microscopic Examination of a Chocolate and Peanut Butter Covered Animal Cracker

In many quality control and quality analysis procedures, non-destructive testing is preferred due to the ability to preserve the sample for additional downstream testing. Micro-CT 3D imaging can play a role in these processes in instances where the throughput of the technique matches or exceeds the sampling rate required

X-ray Microscopic Examination of a Turtle

Micro-CT technology has transformed how zoologists conduct integrative and comparative biology research. Using 3D nondestructive imaging, brittle or complex biological samples can be fully analyzed without damaging the original sample. Micro-CT offers high sensitivity to different tissue types along with superior resolution for resolving subtle differences in morphometry. Our

X-ray Microscopic Examination of a Leaking AA Battery

 Batteries are of growing importance from both a sustainability and energy storage standpoint as our world continues to require larger energy demands to sustain our lifestyles. Batteries are useful as a repository for excess energy produced during times when the supply exceeds the local demand and can be

Studying Second Generation High Temperature Superconductors

Goran Majkic Research Professor, University of Houston Department of Mechanical Engineering Advanced Manufacturing Institute Texas Center for Superconductivity Houston, TX 77204-4006 Superconductors are used in power transmission lines, energy storage devices, fault current limiters, particle accelerators, and more.  Research into the formulation, characterization, and fabrication of High Temperature Superconductors (HTS)

X-ray Microscopic Examination of a Cocklebur (Xanthium)

 A bur (or burr) is a seed or fruit that has hooks that help to spread the seeds of its plant, often by catching on the fur of passing animals and being transported. In addition, the spines and hooks help protect the seeds from herbivores. With the popularity

X-ray Microscopic Examination of Consumer Paper Products

 Within the home care line of sanitary products, there’s been a rise in the prevalence and use of moist towels as part of the cleanup process in the bathroom with several wipe products marketed to consumers as tested by plumbers or safe to flush. Traditionally, products of this

Analyzing Geological Samples for Oil and Gas Exploration

William C. Reese Laboratory Professional & Micro-CT Specialist ExxonMobil Technology and Engineering Company To highlight various applications of micro-CT technology, Micro Photonics is featuring monthly Q & As with investigators working in both life science and materials science. We continue this series with an interview with William Reese, who

X-ray Microscopic Examination of Murine Bones Using the SkyScan Sample Changer

 X-Ray Microscopic Imaging of Mouse Bones Using the SkyScan Carousel Tube Set Using our new mouse and rat bone imaging tube set for the SkyScan Carousel, we imaged both femora and skulls from mouse samples. While a formal announcement of the new tube set accessory is forthcoming, we’re

Mice on a NASA mission being studied by the InAlyzer2 DEXA

On March 14, 2023, 24 mice are scheduled to launch on NASA’s SpaceX CRS-27 in a NASA-funded research project headed by Mary Bouxsein, PhD. A key part of the research involves measuring body composition and body mass density both pre- and post-flight utilizing the InAlyzer2 DEXA from Medikors, distributed

Researcher Spotlight: Studying Multivariate Trait Evolution in Fishes

Kory Evans, PhD Assistant Professor, Rice University, Department of Biosciences   To highlight various applications of micro-CT technology, Micro Photonics is featuring monthly Q & As with investigators working in both life science and materials science. We continue this series with an interview with Kory Evans, PhD, who uses

X-ray Microscopic Examination of Chocolate

 The magic of chocolate is being unveiled by research investigating not its taste but its feel and texture. The study — published in the scientific journal “ACS Applied Materials and Interface” — demonstrates that fat plays a key function when a piece of chocolate is in contact with

X-ray Microscopic Examination of Soap Mixtures

 Babylonians were making soap around 2800 B.C., as revealed in an excavation of ancient Babylon. Mesopotamians, Egyptians,and the ancient Greeks and Romans also made soap, basically by mixing fat, oils and salts. In the early 1800s, discoveries about interactions among glycerin, fats, and acids marked the beginning of

Researcher Spotlight: Studying Bone Loss After Spinal Cord Injury

Joshua F. Yarrow, MS, PhD (Spotlight: January 2023) Acting Associate Chief of Staff, Research North Florida/South Georgia Veterans Health System Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes, & Metabolism University of Florida, College of Medicine To highlight various applications of micro-CT technology, Micro Photonics will be featuring monthly Q & As with

X-ray Microscopic Examination of Filter Media

X-Ray Microscopic Imaging of Filter Media Filter media is the key component for all types of particulate retention – removing contaminant substances or selectively extracting one or more components of a mixture – in both air and liquid handling applications. Car engines utilize several filters to protect the sensitive

Applications of Micro-CT for Filter Media Analysis

Micro-CT is used in the analysis of filter media to study specific properties such as wet strength, porosity, particle retention, volumetric flow rate, compatibility, efficiency, and capacity. Applications such as the filtration of air, fuel, chemicals, and beverages utilize various types of filter media, typically composed of natural or

X-ray Microscopic Examination of a Nutmeg Seed

   Nutmeg is a key ingredient in fall and winter seasonal dishes, especially in combination with cinnamon, cloves, and ginger. As Thanksgiving approaches, we imaged a nutmeg seed using our new SkyScan 1272 CMOS edition desktop micro-CT, which is ideal for digitizing natural history samples. This upgraded instrument

Applications of X-Ray Microscopy for Botanical Specimens

Micro-CT is a useful tool for enabling the digital imaging of whole objects in three dimensions. The power of micro-CT to visualize internal features without disarticulation makes it particularly valuable for the study of botanical specimens. Botanists can study anatomical structures in 3D and determine key characteristics such as

X-ray Microscopic Examination of a Beetle

Beetles are the largest insect order, with Tribolium castaneum as the first species with a completely sequenced genome; beetles may now be new candidates for model organisms in various studies. Almost a quarter of all known types of animals are beetles, with approximately 400,000 species constituting almost 25% of

Applications of X-Ray Microscopy for Beetle Studies

Micro-CT imaging is highly effective for the comprehensive study of internal structures and skeletal elements of beetles, and is important for research in biological and chemical pest control, food and food storage, the protection of fiber crops, pharmaceuticals, epidemiology, and environmental studies. Beetles are the largest insect order, with

X-ray Microscopic Examination of a Rattlesnake

 Snakes are elongated, limbless, carnivorous reptiles that first appeared in the fossil record during the Cretaceous period, between 145.5 and 65.5 million years ago. The study of snakes has been greatly advanced by the use of micro-CT scanning, which has allowed comprehensive study of internal structures and skeletal

Applications of X-Ray Microscopy for Snake Studies

Micro-CT imaging is highly effective for the comprehensive study of internal structures and skeletal elements of snakes, and can facilitate morphometric studies, phylogenetics analysis, and biomechanics modeling. In addition to skeletal studies, including research on the head, jaw, and tail, current research also focuses on studying venomous snake fangs

X-ray Microscopic Examination of Murine Femora

 Rodent models are widely used in many types of biomedical research because they can mimic aspects of a biological process or disease found in humans. For this research, micro-CT imaging is highly effective for the assessment of trabecular and cortical bone morphology, allowing researchers to measure bone microarchitecture

Applications of X-Ray Microscopy for Murine Femora Studies

Micro-CT imaging is highly effective for the assessment of trabecular and cortical bone morphology, allowing researchers to measure bone microarchitecture without relying on stereologic models. Researchers can non-destructively acquire the three-dimensional architecture of bone from any site within a small animal. The sample remains intact, allowing researchers to follow

X-ray Microscopic Examination of Fiber-Reinforced Polymers for Additive Manufacturing

 Additive manufacturing continues to grow for both prototyping and production of end use parts, and many scientists are working on developing the next generation of advanced materials to take better advantage of the benefits from these new techniques. One common addition to the base polymer relies on incorporating

Applications of X-Ray Microscopy for Fiber Orientation in Composites

X-ray microscopy (micro-CT) is used for the 3D visualization and analysis of fiber orientation in composites, especially for prototyping and production of end use parts for additive manufacturing (AM). The distribution and orientation of fibers within composites greatly affects their mechanical properties. The characterization of fibers requires high image

Applications of X-Ray Microscopy for the Study of Ticks

X-ray microscopy (micro-CT) is used for the 3D visualization and analysis of arachnids, including ticks, spiders, and mites. Ticks are external parasites that survive by feeding on the blood of mammals, birds, and sometimes reptiles and amphibians. The oldest known tick fossils are from the Cretaceous period, around 100

X-ray Microscopic Examination of Whipped Food Products

 During the preparation of food products for consumers, factors such as flavor, texture, and shelf-stability are all influenced by the presence of air bubbles. For whipped products, the presence of air softens the mouthfeel of foods and reduces the calories contained in a similar size serving by volume.

Applications of X-Ray Microscopy for Dairy Products

X-ray microscopy (micro-CT) is used for the 3D visualization and quantitative analysis of dairy and other food products, allowing for in-situ observation and analysis of food microstructure. Most solid foods, including dairy foods, are microstructured, and many properties of foods that are relevant to process engineering or quality are

X-ray Microscopic Examination of an Analog Watch

Nondestructive inspection plays a key role in helping to investigate sensitive assembled components in 3D, such as our example of an analog pocket watch. Micro-CT scanning has even been used to investigate the internal mechanisms of a corroded, barnacle-covered pocket watch recovered from a 17th century shipwreck. For newly

X-ray Microscopic Examination of Polymer Fractures in Shoes

Polymer materials are widely used as a basis for the manufacture of shoe soles and are superior in many respects to leather and other natural materials. The specific physical and mechanical properties of polymer sole materials vary greatly in characteristics such as elasticity, durability, frost-resistance, density, cushioning, strength, and

Applications of X-ray Microscopy for Polymer Analysis

Polymer composites have multiple current and potential industrial applications and are often superior to conventional materials. They are valued for their higher strength-to-weight ratios and their easily customizable product properties, as well as lower costs. Additive manufacturing (AM) methods utilize polymer composites in several industrial sectors, including aerospace, biomedical,

X-ray Microscopic Examination of An Apple – The SkyScan 2214 Multi-scale Benefit

 High-resolution X-ray microscopy is increasingly used for structural phenotyping studies for plant biology at macro-, micro-, and nanoscale levels. To demonstrate the benefits that arise from having one instrument with multiple detectors, we imaged an apple at three different scales using our Bruker SkyScan 2214 Multi-scale X-ray Nano-CT.

Applications of X-Ray Microscopy for Plant Biology

Automatic analysis of the 3-D microstructure of fruit parenchyma tissue using X-ray micro-CT explains differences in aeration This study presents an automated method for processing high-resolution micro-CT images of parenchyma tissues of apple (Malus × domestica Borkh.) and pear (Pyrus communis L.) tissue, providing a quick objective method for characterizing 3D

X-ray Microscopic Examination of Calcified Algae

Through the Guam Ecosystems Collaboratorium for Corals and Oceans (GECCO) funded by NSF EPSCoR, University of Guam researchers are investigating the genetic diversity of reef builders at the species and population level. Mastophora is a broadly distributed genus of calcified red macroalgae and consists of three well-characterized species. Mastophora

Applications of Micro-CT for Algae Research

Micro-CT is increasingly used to analyze the internal structure and to monitor the morphology of algae as they are altered by their external environment. Algae provide for half of the phtosynthetic production of organic material on earth and are a sustainable source of biomass and oils for fuel, food,

Continuous Rotation Micro-CT Imaging of a Pinecone

Micro-CT is used with pinecones for tree breeding studies to confirm when pollination and fertilization occurred and to assess seed viability. We chose to demonstrate the option of continuous rotation imaging for extremely quick scans, from about one hour to a matter of minutes. This approach can be used

Applications of Micro-CT for Pinecones and Conifers

To better understand the functions of coniifers and pinecones, micro-CT is increasingly used to analyze their internal structure and to efficiently monitor the morphology of pinecones as they are altered by their external environment. Micro-CT is used with pinecones for tree breeding studies to confirm when pollination and fertilization

Applications of Micro-CT for Porous Ceramics

Porous ceramics, or cellular ceramics, are comprised of a heat-resistant porous material with many gaseous pores. Porous ceramics began developing in the 1970s and are generally divided into honeycomb ceramic and ceramic foam. They have relatively high levels of mechanical strength, corrosion resistance, stability under high temperatures, high thermal

Micro-CT Imaging of Porous Ceramics

Rendered Video of a Porous Ceramic Filter Porous ceramics are used for functional and structural applications from filtration, absorption, and catalysts to lightweight structural components. As filtration devices, they are used to remove contaminants — similar to how water from aquifers seeps through layers of rock, water in a

3T Analytik qCell D and qCell T Series Overview

 What is the 3T Analytik qCell series? This series comprises the the best entry-level Quartz Crystal Microbalance with Damping/Dissapation(QCM-D) instruments available. The products offer unmatched stability, patented easy to handle sensors, and are budget friendly. What is qCell? The qCell is the entry level sensor platform for the

Advantages and Unique Features of 3T Analytik Instruments

Flow Cell Stress Less, Smile More, For better science 3T Analytik has designed the flow cell to be the world’s only that does not apply any rotational stress to the quartz sensor. Eliminating the potential for errors in measurements. Designed and engineered to be more useful and allow for

Tribotouch Advantages and Innovative Features

Tribotouch — Innovative Features The TRIBOTOUCH tests surfaces according to IEC 60068-2-70: “Abrasion of markings and lettering caused by rubbing of fingers and hands”. It is a newly developed instrument using state-of-the-art technology to guarantee high reproducibility and therefore eliminate the limitations of prior generations of test machines.  Movement

What is DEXA?

DEXA (DXA) or Dual Energy X-Ray Absorptiometry is a non-invasive imaging modality based on exploiting the difference in the X-Ray attenuation of tissue and bone at different X- ray energies. Calcified tissues such as bone absorb X-Rays a lot more than soft or low density tissues such as lean

Bone Mineral Density: Volumetric versus Areal

Volumetric density is mathematically defined as the mass per unit volume, i.e grams/cm3. Areal density, is derived from area based measurements and thus has units of mass per unit area, i.e grams/cm2. Imaging modalities such as micro-computed tomography or microCT generate images three-dimensionally. When properly calibrated against an X-Ray

Micro-CT Imaging of Avian Skulls

Figure 1: Images of a Chukar Partridge and a Pheasant 1,2 With nearly 11,000 species of living birds comprising a vast spectrum of shapes, colors, and sizes, there are immense challenges to fully quantify and analyze avian phenotypic disparity. From a functional perspective, there are several weight-saving adaptations that

Applications of Micro-CT for Avian Studies

Micro-CT’s  non-destructive, high resolution 3D imaging makes it one of the most important tools for morphological avian research as well as biomimetic studies. One area of research focuses on understanding evolutionary change, in particular in studies of that most ecologically adaptable avian feature, the beak. Other research is directed

Micro-CT Imaging of Samples Under Mechanical Load

Figure 1: 3D Printed Support Structures After Mechanical Load Testing  As an accessory to the SkyScan instrumentation suite, Bruker offers several interesting accessories that can further support your research goals. In addition to accessory stages for cooling or heating of thermally conductive samples, Bruker has a range of mechanical testing stages for compression or

Applications of Micro-CT for Tensile and Compression Testing

Micro Photonics Inc. provides instruments, laboratory services, training, and support from micro-CT expertsto help research scientists meet their most complex laboratory demands. More information: FREE BUYERS’ GUIDE Request: FREE EVALUATION SCAN to see how micro-CT works with your application. Contact: Benjamin Ache, Product Manager, Bruker Micro-CTs P: 610-366-7103 ext

Applications of Micro-CT for Natural History Specimens

Syllis gracilis (a species of marine bioluminescent polychaete worms): false-colour volume rendering of virtually dissected proventricle. The length of the proventricle and the number of its muscle rows are important diagnostic systematic characters in the family. The strong muscle fibres of the proventricle are very visible, and through virtual

Micro-CT Imaging of a Triggerfish

Figure 1: Micro-CT volumetric rendering of a triggerfish imaged using the SkyScan 1273 To best match the wide range of sample sizes encountered in cataloging natural specimens, the SkyScan 1273 was used for this work to examine a small triggerfish as part of a larger subset of samples. The

Micro-CT Imaging of a Strawberry Seed

Figure 1: Micro-CT volumetric rendering of a strawberry seed imaged  As we move into the height of summer, the season’s new crops begin to blossom, including a popular summer treat–the strawberry. Often known for its tart flavor and bright red hues, we often overlook all the little seeds present on

Applications of Micro-CT to Study Seed Development

Micro Photonics Inc. provides instruments, laboratory services, training, and support from micro-CT expertsto help research scientists meet their most complex laboratory demands. More information: FREE BUYERS’ GUIDE Request: FREE EVALUATION SCAN to see how micro-CT works with your application. Contact: Benjamin Ache, Product Manager, Bruker Micro-CTs P: 610-366-7103 ext

X-ray Microscopic Studies of Insects

Micro Photonics Inc. provides instruments, laboratory services, training, and support from micro-CT expertsto help research scientists meet their most complex laboratory demands. More information: FREE BUYERS’ GUIDE Request: FREE EVALUATION SCAN to see how micro-CT works with your application. Contact: Benjamin Ache, Product Manager, Bruker Micro-CTs P: 610-366-7103 ext

X-ray Microscopic Imaging of a Chemically Dried Cicada

Figure 1: Volumetric rendering of a chemically dried cicada imaged using the SkyScan 1275  The Importance of Sample Preparation With a large emergence of the local cicada population along the East coast predicted this year, we decided to re-visit a past specimen and once again examine a cicada with our

X-ray Microscopic Comparison of Shark Denticles

Figure 1: Photograph of 3D printed shark denticles extracted from micro-CT imaging data  Biomimicry of Shark Denticles Although it is commonly known that most fish species have scales, it may be less widely known that shark skin goes one step further with the presence of denticles more like teeth than

X-ray Microscopic Examination of the Coffee Roasting Process

Figure 1: Photograph of beans moving from unroasted, to medium roast, to dark roast  Roasting coffee beans causes meaningful changes in their microstructure, such as the increase in total pore volume, porosity, and density due to the rupture of bonds in the internal structure of the coffee beans during

Micro-CT Applications to Study Porosity in Food

Micro Photonics Inc. provides instruments, laboratory services, training, and support from micro-CT expertsto help research scientists meet their most complex laboratory demands. More information: FREE BUYERS’ GUIDE Request: FREE EVALUATION SCAN to see how micro-CT works with your application. Contact: Benjamin Ache, Product Manager, Bruker Micro-CTs P: 610-366-7103 ext

Micro-CT Applications to Inspect Food Composition

Micro-CT image of air bubbles in frozen ice cream showing segmented structure after thresholding and watershed segmentation of the sample. “X-ray micro-tomography to quantify frozen ice cream structure,” Alvarez, G., et al, 2015. X-ray micro-tomography to quantify frozen ice cream structure Ice cream processing affects the microstructure of fat,

Micro-CT Examination of a Sandwich Cookie

Figure 1: Clipped rendering of sandwich cookie with three individual filling layers Utilizing our SkyScan 1275 desktop micro-CT, we were able to quickly image a multilayered sandwich cookie, taking a virtual look within to investigate the distribution of the three filling layers and inclusions while resolving the fine structures

Micro-CT Applications for Inspection of Manufactured Parts

Micro Photonics Inc. provides instruments, laboratory services, training, and support from micro-CT expertsto help research scientists meet their most complex laboratory demands. More information: FREE BUYERS’ GUIDE Request: FREE EVALUATION SCAN to see how micro-CT works with your application. Contact: Benjamin Ache, Product Manager, Bruker Micro-CTs P: 610-366-7103 ext

X-ray Microscopic Inspection of an Electronic Cigarette

Figure 1: Volumetric rendering of e-cigarette device E-cigarettes are battery-operated devices that heat a special liquid to produce an aerosol that users inhale. They come in a range of shapes, with some looking like USB drives and others looking like pens. Marketed as tools for quitting or cutting down

Micro-CT Applications for the Food Industry

Micro-CT Examination of Sardines Packed in Oil The food processing and manufacturing industry utilizes micro-CT analysis in several ways, from studying the distribution of ingredients within products to inspecting finished packaging for foreign materials and checking product distribution within the packaging. Further, micro-CT allows researchers to study intact internal

Micro-CT Applications for Covid-19 Research

Novel Coronavirus SARS-CoV-2, from the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID). Virologists and Lung Disease Specialists Commission Bruker´s Micro-CT for some of the World’s First in vivo COVID-19 Imaging Experiments Reprinted from the Lab Bulletin: Jul 27, 2020  |  author/source: Bruker Corporation Bruker’s BioSpin PreClinical Imaging Division

X-ray Microscopic Inspection of Poultry Bones

Micro-CT imaging is used to assess trabecular and cortical bone morphology, allowing researchers to measure bone microarchitecture without relying on stereologic models. Researchers can non-destructively acquire the three-dimensional architecture of bone from any site within a small animal. The sample remains intact, allowing researchers to follow up with genetic

Micro-CT Applications for Analysis of Counterfeit Pharmaceuticals

Micro Photonics Inc. provides instruments, laboratory services, training, and support from micro-CT expertsto help research scientists meet their most complex laboratory demands. More information: FREE BUYERS’ GUIDE Request: FREE EVALUATION SCAN to see how micro-CT works with your application. Contact: Benjamin Ache, Product Manager, Bruker Micro-CTs P: 610-366-7103 ext

X-ray Microscopic Inspection of Counterfeit Pharmaceuticals

Figure 1: Photograph of known (left) and questioned (right) capsules Pharmaceutical counterfeits impact the intellectual property of the originator of the drug but also undermine the safety of the public. Because counterfeit drugs often contain only small amounts of the active ingredient, they can abate some symptoms but not

Micro-CT Applications for Concrete Analysis

X-ray computed tomography characterisation of concrete ABSTRACT This video and related article demonstrate the effectiveness of the use of micro-CT for the characterization of microstructure and evaluation of concrete specimens, showing the data processing that can be applied to micro-CT data obtained from concrete. “Matrix, pores, and high density

X-ray Microscopic Inspection of Concrete

Figure 1: Clipped 3D Volumetric rendering of concrete sample While the words concrete and cement are often used interchangeably in everyday conversation, concrete is actually a mixture of aggregate material (rocks, other filler) and cement. X-ray microscopy permits non-destructive examination of geological samples and construction materials, such as cement

Micro-CT Applications for Analysis of Fibrous Filters

Micro Photonics Inc. provides instruments, laboratory services, training, and support from micro-CT expertsto help research scientists meet their most complex laboratory demands. More information: FREE BUYERS’ GUIDE Request: FREE EVALUATION SCAN to see how micro-CT works with your application. Contact: Benjamin Ache, Product Manager, Bruker Micro-CTs P: 610-366-7103 ext

X-ray Microscopic Inspection of a Multistage HEPA Filter

With the global COVID-19 pandemic and the recent focus on preventing and limiting the spread of respiratory diseases, we chose to focus this month on the examination of multilayered air filtration media. The filter studied in this work is intended as a home HEPA filter capable of reducing contaminants

Micro-CT Applications for Digitizing Biological Specimens

Micro Photonics Inc. provides instruments, laboratory services, training, and support from micro-CT expertsto help research scientists meet their most complex laboratory demands. More information: FREE BUYERS’ GUIDE Request: FREE EVALUATION SCAN to see how micro-CT works with your application. Contact: Benjamin Ache, Product Manager, Bruker Micro-CTs P: 610-366-7103 ext

Micro-CT Applications for Product Development

Micro Photonics Inc. provides instruments, laboratory services, training, and support from micro-CT expertsto help research scientists meet their most complex laboratory demands. More information: FREE BUYERS’ GUIDE Request: FREE EVALUATION SCAN to see how micro-CT works with your application. Contact: Benjamin Ache, Product Manager, Bruker Micro-CTs P: 610-366-7103 ext

MICRO-CT NEWS, ARTICLES, AND INFORMATION

3-D reconstructions and visualizations based on micro-CT imagery of a Hericium coralloides basidioma sample. A.Fixed and critical-point dried sample. Three histo-anatomical features can be recognized on the optical image (Pallua et al.2014): basal branch (1), side branches (2), and end branch structures (3). B. 3-D surface rendered image of

X-ray Microscopy of Paper Currency Security Features

As Economic Impact Payments released by Congress in response to the current global pandemic begin rolling out across the country, we focused our imaging on paper currency and the many layers of security built into our paper notes. From special inks, textures, materials, and embedded components, the Treasury Department

Micro-CT Applications for Food Safety

Micro Photonics Inc. provides instruments, laboratory services, training, and support from micro-CT expertsto help research scientists meet their most complex laboratory demands. More information: FREE BUYERS’ GUIDE Request: FREE EVALUATION SCAN to see how micro-CT works with your application. Contact: Benjamin Ache, Product Manager, Bruker Micro-CTs P: 610-366-7103 ext

Micro-CT Applications for Primate Studies

Skull reconstruction of the late Miocene ape Rudapithecus hungaricus from Rudabánya, Hungary ABSTRACT This study presents a reconstruction of a well-preserved ape skull from late Miocene deposits in Rudabánya, Hungary. The study utilized micro-CT scans of the original Rudapithecus hungaricus partial cranium RUD 200 and the associated mandible RUD

Micro-CT for Primate Studies

Micro-CT examination of the primate cranial morphospace allows scientists to explore developmental, evolutionary, and functional influences that have contributed to primate cranial diversity. The primate cranium is quite complex, supporting vital functions such as respiration, olfaction, food acquisition and mastication, communication, and protection of the brain and eyes. Natural

Micro-CT Applications for Additive Manufacturing Parts

Micro Photonics Inc. provides instruments, laboratory services, training, and support from micro-CT expertsto help research scientists meet their most complex laboratory demands. More information: FREE BUYERS’ GUIDE Request: FREE EVALUATION SCAN to see how micro-CT works with your application. Contact: Benjamin Ache, Product Manager, Bruker Micro-CTs P: 610-366-7103 ext

Micro-CT Examination of Additively Manufactured Parts

Figure 3 demonstrates a 3D volumetric rendering of the scan data for the test fixture imaged in this study. Of note, we can qualitatively see several deviations from the original CAD design. One is the presence of the open mesh on the surface and base of the printed part.

Micro-CT Applications for Fiber-Reinforced Plastics

Micro Photonics Inc. provides instruments, laboratory services, training, and support from micro-CT expertsto help research scientists meet their most complex laboratory demands. More information: FREE BUYERS’ GUIDE Request: FREE EVALUATION SCAN to see how micro-CT works with your application. Contact: Benjamin Ache, Product Manager, Bruker Micro-CTs P: 610-366-7103 ext

Micro-CT Applications for Manufacturing Process Optimization

Micro Photonics Inc. provides instruments, laboratory services, training, and support from micro-CT expertsto help research scientists meet their most complex laboratory demands. More information: FREE BUYERS’ GUIDE Request: FREE EVALUATION SCAN to see how micro-CT works with your application. Contact: Benjamin Ache, Product Manager, Bruker Micro-CTs P: 610-366-7103 ext

Micro-CT Applications for Archaeological Forensic Studies

Modern Forensics Reveal Gruesome Details Of King Richard III’s Death ABSTRACT Richard III was buried in haste in 1485 after he was killed in battle and the whereabouts of his remains were unknown for centuries. In 2012, a skeleton was excavated from the former site of the Church of

Micro-CT Applications for Examining Archaeological Ceramics

Insights into manufacturing techniques of archaeological pottery: Industrial X-ray computed tomography as a tool in the examination of cultural material ABSTRACT Using micro-CT is becoming increasingly valued in archaeological ceramic studies because of its non-destructive nature and ability to provide valuable data and interior images. Of particular interest is

Micro-CT Examination of Ceramic Pottery

Micro Photonics Inc. provides instruments, laboratory services, training, and support from micro-CT expertsto help research scientists meet their most complex laboratory demands. More information: FREE BUYERS’ GUIDE Request: FREE EVALUATION SCAN to see how micro-CT works with your application. Contact: Benjamin Ache, Product Manager, Bruker Micro-CTs P: 610-366-7103 ext

Micro-CT Examination of Wooden and Metal Jewelry

 Precious artifacts and historical art objects are often affected by decay, environmental pollution, vandalism, or just simple age and neglect. Micro-CT is well suited to analyze historical artifacts for restoration and preservation, allowing conservators to inspect the exterior surfaces and interior structures without destroying the original objects. Unlike

The role of DEXA in obesity and osteoporosis research

Biomedical research is essential for confronting the complex factors that underlie the nation’s major health issues, including skyrocketing obesity and rising osteoporosis in our aging society. InAlyzer® DEXA Systems use dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) to measure bone mineral density and body composition in laboratory animals. This simple, quick,

Micro-CT Applications for Oil and Gas Exploration

Progress and developing trends of unconventional oil and gas geological research ABSTRACT “The progress in pore structure characterization, hydrocarbon occurrence state, mechanism of oil and gas accumulation, main controlling factors and high production model of unconventional oil and gas is reviewed”. Future challenges in unconventional oil and gas geological

Micro-CT for Imaging an Automobile Part

New High-Capacity 3D X-ray Microscopy Generates Excellent Image Quality in Just Seconds Now it is possible to scan larger, dense objects with a desktop micro-CT instrument, obtaining excellent image quality in as little as 12 seconds. Bruker’s new SkyScan 1273 handles objects up to 500 mm length, 300 mm

Micro-CT of an Electronic Organic Resistor

Semiconductor and electronics manufacturers are continually introducing new processing technologies and materials in order to make devices smaller, faster, cheaper, and more efficient. With decreasing length scales and the challenges of introducing new materials, new characterization techniques are required to develop next-generation materials and validate new processes. Micro-CT is

Micro-CT Applications for Ant Taxonomy and Morphology

X-Ray microtomography for ant taxonomy: An exploration and case study with two new Terataner (Hymenoptera, Formicidae, Myrmicinae) species from Madagascar ABSTRACT As new methods are emerging for studying ant morphology and for species identification, micro-CT is helping open new horizons for interactive and three-dimensional (3D) imagery of ants. This

Micro-CT of an Household Ant

The discipline of taxonomy has been transformed from the traditional morphology-based approach, using written descriptions and line drawings, to a complementary mixture of several types of data, including micro-CT scanning. Micro-CT provides the detail and resolution necessary to enhance species descriptions or enable species identifications. Detailed assessments of both

Micro-CT and Studying Plant Root and Hydration Systems

MicroCT Scanning of Roots in Soil Substrate ABSTRACT “Horticulture scientists studying soils and soilless substrates are working to design the root environment based on a plant’s needs and specific growing requirements.” Researchers seeking to better understand the dynamic relationship between substrates and root development are using micro-CT scanning to

Micro-CT of a Cactus

Micro-CT for the Study of Plant Root Function in a Cactus Root biology research has been ongoing for more than a century but has rarely been the focus of research by mainstream biologists. Recently, however, micro-CT and other newer technologies have led to numerous insights and stimulated a new

January 2019: Micro-CT Applications for Digital Dissections of Biological Samples

Using MicroCT to Identify Micro Snail Species ABSTRACT Thorn snails are small, fragile Ellobioidea-related snails that are an important component of leaf litter decomposition in stable environments. They increase biodiversity in the decomposition process and assist releasing nutrients into the soil, thus improving the health of vegetation. Studying these

Micro-CT of a Sea Star

Micro-CT for Digital Dissections of Biological Samples Micro-CT is increasingly used by biologists to describe, compare, and identify new species. Micro-CT’s noninvasive nature means that even extinct examples can be virtually dissected without harming precious specimens. In the case of sea stars, commonly called starfish, there are more than

Micro-CT of a Light Bulb

Micro-CT for Inspection of Assembled Products As Additive Manufacturing (AM) is changing the manufacturing landscape, it has become important to be able to inspect an entire part because of AM’s layer-based processes. In a single scan, micro-CT can provide high resolution images and dimensional information of both the internal

Micro-CT for Violins and other Stringed Instruments

A New Approach for Analyzing Instruments of the Violin Family What about Stradivarius violins produces the rich, resonant sound associated with these 300-year-old instruments? Violin-making has changed very little since that time, but today micro-CT offers modern violin producers and acoustic scientists a unique tool for nondestructively evaluating an

Micro-CT Applications for the New Bruker SkyScan 2214

The following examples illustrate benefits of Bruker’s new SkyScan 2214 High-Resolution Multiscale Nanotomograph for a wide array of applications. The SKYSCAN 2214 is the latest nanotomograph by Bruker, a pioneer of micro-CT technology, and is the most complete and versatile system on the market. The 2214 offers a large

Micro-CT of a Laptop Computer

New Multiscale X-ray Nano-CT Generates Unprecedented, Ultra-High Resolution Images for Larger Objects Imagine the widest range of object sizes and spatial resolutions in one single micro-CT system! The Bruker SkyScan 2214 is a new multi-scale nano-CT instrument with a large field of view for scanning larger objects at ultra-high

Micro-CT Applications for Biomimicry Studies

MICRO-CT NEWS, ARTICLES, AND INFORMATION Micro-CT Applications for Biomimicry Studies Analyzing nature’s protective design: The glyptodont body armor This article demonstrates that  3D micro-CT is a powerful tool for the analysis of protective body armor in the animal kingdom, such as scales of fish, carapaces of turtles, and  and

Micro-CT of a House Fly (Musca Domestica) Using the Bruker SkyScan 1272

Micro-CT for Entomology Can the built environment mimic the natural world? Biomimicry — analyzing structures in nature in order to understand how they function — allows engineers to bridge the gap between designers and nature but requires a deep knowledge of the structures being analyzed. One way to learn

Micro-CT Applications for Particle Analysis

MICRO-CT NEWS, ARTICLES, AND INFORMATION Micro-CT Applications for Particle Analysis 2D & 3D particle size analysis of micro-CT images This article demonstrates that 3D micro-CT is a powerful tool for the analysis of particle sizes and states that “3D analysis of individual particles is the most versatile method to

Micro-CT of a Firework Fountain

Micro-CT of a Firework Fountain Using the Bruker SkyScan 1173 Micro-CT for Particle Size Analysis Summer fireworks displays are actually made up of systems of burning particles flying through the nighttime sky. In most firework fountains — the devices that send showers of sparks high in the air —

Micro-CT Applications for Modern and Fossil Dental Analysis

Use of Micro-Computed Tomography for Dental Studies in Modern and Fossil Odontocetes: Potential Applications and Limitations Teeth are useful in studies of both fossil and living animals but, prior to the use of micro-CT, methods of studying teeth involved destructive sectioning techniques. With the nondestructive and non-invasive use of

Micro-CT Imaging of Shark Teeth Using the Bruker SkyScan 1173

Comparative Biology: Using Micro-CT to Examine Shark Teeth In honor of SharkWeek, we used the power of micro-CT to compare and contrast a modern day shark tooth and a fossilized megalodon tooth. Teeth are important in both modern and fossil studies of sharks and other fish, providing information such

Abrasion Testing of Medical Labels

Abrasion Testing of Medical Labels Reading Medical Labels The information on the label of a medical bottle or device is just as important as what is actually in the item itself.  If the information is not readable or if it is damaged and misread, the medical or pharmaceutical product

Micro-CT Applications for Analysis of Medical Devices

Micro-computed tomography for the quantification of blocked fibers in hemodialyzers Micro-CT scanning is used to quantify coagulation in fibers of hemodialyzers for an accurate assessment of the thrombogenicity of dialyzers used during hemodialysis. The protocol allowed imaging at a resolution of 25 µm, making it possible to count the open,

Micro-CT Imaging of Medical Devices Using the Bruker SkyScan 1173

Product Development: Using Micro-CT to Examine Medical Devices The manufacturing of medical devices involves long processes that face global competition. Requirements for the highest levels of quality, reliability, and safety continue to rise as new technologies are evolving. Micro-CT allows for a deep investigation of products through nondestructive testing

Micro-CT Applications for Quality Control in Food and Pharmaceutical Packaging

Micro Computer Tomography for medical device and pharmaceutical packaging analysis Micro-CT allows 3D, non-destructive investigation of pharmaceutical packaging, helping meet growing needs to analyze the level of quality, safety and reliability of medical devices, and contributing to quality improvement. This article looks at numerous applications of Micro CT for

Micro-CT of Aseptic Packaging Closure Using the Bruker SkyScan 1173

Product Development: Using Micro-CT to Examine Aseptic Packaging Aseptic packaging allows food and pharmaceutical products to be stored without refrigeration for six months or more while optimizing food quality and nutrition. This improved stability offers many benefits such as simpler shipping and storage, convenience to the consumer, and reduction

Micro-CT of Adhesive Bonds in Wood, Using the Bruker SkyScan 1275

Micro-CT of Adhesive Bonds in Wood, Using the Bruker SkyScan 1275     Animation of Superglue in Wood 3D Rendering Animation of Wood Glue in Wood 3D Rendering   Using Micro-CT to Examine Material Structural Properties of Adhesive-Bonded Wood     Adhesive bonding of wood is important in the

Micro-CT Applications for Analysis of Adhesive Bonds in Wood

MICRO-CT NEWS, ARTICLES, AND INFORMATION April 2018: Micro-CT Applications for Analysis of Adhesive Bonds in Wood Micro X-ray computed tomography study of adhesive bonds in wood Micro-CT was used in this study to investigate whether adhesive penetration influences stress transfer from one substrate to the next. The researchers developed

Micro-CT Applications for Analysis of Geomaterials

X-ray microtomography for the identification of microstructural properties of shale This use of X-ray micro-CT combined with nanoindentation tests is proposed for the qualitative and quantitative characterization of Shale, a fine-grained sedimentary rock composed of highly compacted clay particles, nanometric porosity, and silt-sized particles of other minerals. With a

Micro-CT of Paving Materials Using the Bruker SkyScan 1173

Using micro-CT to Examine Material Structural Properties Through the assessment and modeling of construction materials, researchers can derive detailed structural predictions of material performance over time1. Micro-CT provides a tool for civil engineers to non-destructively examine structure and generate a detailed map of the internal features suitable for use

Micro-CT Applications in Entomology

MICRO-CT NEWS, ARTICLES, AND INFORMATION February 2018: Micro-CT Applications in Entomology The following articles illustrate benefits in using micro-CT for studying ant taxonomy and biodiversity, as well as for morphological documentation. Also included is an article on using micro-Ct for scanning live insects. More X-Ray microtomography for ant taxonomy

Micro-CT of Toolmarks in Bone Using the Bruker SkyScan 1173

Forensic Investigations: Using Micro-CT to Examine Toolmarks in Bone Micro-CT is proving valuable in the analysis of crimes and the presentation of evidence by helping establish the weapon class used for sharp force injuries and/or to link a specific object to a crime, making it an important emerging technology

What is Micro-CT? An Introduction

Micro-CT is a 3D imaging technique utilizing X-rays to see inside an object, slice by slice. Micro-CT, also called microtomography or micro computed tomography, is similar to hospital CT or “CAT” scan imaging but on a small scale with greatly increased resolution. Samples can be imaged with pixel sizes as

Micro-CT Applications in Animal Studies

This is a CT-scanned image of the piranha Catoprion mento. The blue dyed segments inside the skeleton are fish scales eaten by the piranha (also shown enlarged next to the fish). Credit: University of Washington. MICRO-CT NEWS, ARTICLES, AND INFORMATION January 2018: Micro-CT Applications in Animal Studies The following

Micro-CT of Nautilus Shell Using the Bruker SkyScan 1173

The Symmetry of Mathematics and Nature: Using Micro-CT to Examine a Nautilus Shell Within the beauty of the chambered nautilus is a remarkable symmetry created by the concentric rings within the shell. This distinctive pattern is often related to the Fibonacci Sequence, also known as the Golden Number, although

Micro-CT of Miniature Fruitcake

Using the Bruker SkyScan 1173 Product Inspection: Using micro-CT to study consumer food products Now that the year is coming to a close and we all slow to spend time with friends and family, many will gather to share gifts. No other gift is both so ingrained in the

Micro-CT of Inkjet Cartridge

Micro-CT of Inkjet Cartridge Using the Bruker SkyScan 1275   Product Inspection: Using micro-CT to see inside assembled consumer products Inkjet printers are the best selling print technology on the market today. Originally attractive because of the low price, the technology is now used in many diverse applications, from

Micro-CT of Apple Watch S1

Micro-CT of Apple Watch S1 Using the Bruker SkyScan 1275  Electronics Inspection: Using micro-CT to see inside wearable technology More powerful, faster, smaller – in 1975, Moore’s Law predicted the doubling of transistors within integrated circuits every two years, and while this growth has slowed some as feature widths

MicroCT of a Beach Hopper

Wrapping up the fun-filled days this summer? Amidst all the tanning, surfing, and sand-castling, you may be surprised to think about the plethora of life teeming just under the surface! Move around some seaweed and you might see small shrimp-like animals hopping about, but don’t worry, these little crustaceans

MicroCT of a Molar Tooth

“There comes a point in some of our lives where one (or more) of our pearly whites falls victim to the dreaded drill courtesy of a visit to the dentist. Whether it is a tooth which simply outstayed its welcome or a tooth which needed significant reinforcements in the

Micro-CT of a Praying Mantis

Spring is approaching, and there is much to look forward too; warm weather, beautiful foliage and insects! Ok, besides the pesky flies, mosquitoes, spiders…. Well, maybe you are not anticipating the insects but there is one here at Micro Photonics that fascinated our interest. Commonly known as a praying

MicroCT of Seashells

It is summer and is time to soak up some sun and head to the beach! As you walk along the beach you probably have collected seashells as a kid or still do.  Those fond memories gave us the great idea to scan seashells. Combing the beach for seashells

MicroCT of a Staghorn Sumac

Staghorn Sumac (Rhus hirta (L.) Sudworth) is a common Midwest and Northeastern plant with palm-like leaves and a distinctive red coned fruit that is actually a cluster of small fuzzy seeds. The fruit is what makes this plant highly regarded, especially to Native American tribes, where the fruit is

Introducing Seth Hogg, Ph.D., Micro Photonics’ new Laboratory Manager

We wish to welcome Seth Hogg, Ph.D., to his new position as Laboratory Manager. Seth has a unique background that makes him an excellent fit for this position, where he will be broadly responsible for managing our in-house micro-CT imaging lab services. In addition to managing our day-to-day micro-CT

Thoughts on Turning Points and Scientific Innovation

Scientific research has always been global to some extent, with major contributions coming from around the world. But globalization has sped up, with increasing exchanges of ideas, research tools, and scientific collaboration, all made possible by the development of the internet. Micro Photonics has played its own part in

Micro-CT of Fruits

  Food scientists contribute to our bounty of fresh fruits by applying a wide range of scientific knowledge to maintain and improve our high quality, abundant food supply. Their efforts allow us to make the best use of our food resources and minimize waste. How foods such as fruit

Micro-CT of a Rose

Roses have long captivated our hearts and minds, but the very transience and fragility of the flowers make them more difficult to study. The flower, the place where all new roses begin, is the reproductive structure of the plant. Rose flowers are fairly typical of most flowering plants, which

Growing Bone in Space: Studying Spaceflight-induced Osteoporosis (OP) with Micro-CT

Researcher News:  Jin Hee Kwak, DDS, MS, UCLA Orthodontics https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PIgU95fL0qg&feature=youtu.be Microgravity, or weightlessness, affects many observable phenomena and thus provides a unique environment for study. A successful launch of the SpaceX CRS-11 took place on June 3rd, 2017, carrying an experiment from the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)

What is a PLV or piezoelectric leak valve?

A Piezoelectric gas doser or leak valve is used when scientists need extremely precise control of gases being injected into a chamber where a chemical or physical reaction will take place. High-end models use all-metal UHV compatible valves and are regulated by a Piezoelectric crystal stack.  Applying a voltage

Micro-CT of an Avocado

Avocados, once a rare treat available only in west coast cities able to sell fresh fruit in season, are now found year round across the country. Loosened import restrictions have led to the increase in availability, as Mexico is the world’s largest producer of avocados. Although most avocado varieties

Micro-CT of Green and Black Teas

Both green and black tea, and in fact, oolong and white tea as well, come from the same plant, Camellia sinensis. The use of tea is likely to have originated in China during the Shang Dynasty (1600-1046 BC). During that time, only the leaves were steeped, whereas the idea

Micro-CT of a Wax-coated Paper Cup

Click here see a 3-D video of a wax-coated paper cup Why Scan a Cup? Years ago, communal glass cups were used at public drinking fountains, causing deadly diseases to spread more easily. To prevent the sharing of germs, a lawyer by the name of Lawrence Luellen thought of

Micro-CT of a Mouse Mandible

Click here see a 3-D video of the mouse tooth and jawbone Why Segment Samples? If your region of interest in a sample is composed of a material of different density than what surrounds it, Micro-CT segmentation offers a way to virtually segment it, without breaking the sample. Using

Micro Photonics and Tribotron Partner to Provide Hand Abrasion Testing Instrumentation

Micro Photonics, Inc. and Tribotron, AG, Partner to Provide Hand Abrasion Testing Instrumentation Offering superior instrumentation for testing lab samples or finished products under real life conditions. ALLENTOWN, Pennsylvania, January 10, 2017 — Micro Photonics, Inc., a full-service instrumentation sales, training, and support company, and Tribotron, AG, a Switzerland-based manufacturer of high precision

Micro-CT of a Stained Mouse Heart

Unravelling the intricacies of the heart is an ongoing process for researchers, and micro-CT imaging adds to our understanding of heart tissue. As one looks at the heart it seems to be made of complex muscle fibers and interactions that can appear quite confusing. Yet, if we image the

Keep Warm! Micro-CT of Foam Insulation

Winter is here and the colder temperatures are likely raising your heating bills, as heating and cooling are said to account for 50-70% of energy bills.1 Ensuring that you have adequate insulation throughout your house, including your floors, walls, and ceilings, will decrease the amount of energy needed for

Micro-CT of a D-Cell Battery

Micro-CT of a Battery Micro-CT is a powerful tool that allows researchers to look inside objects non-destructively so that the sample can be used for further tests.  In this case, a micro-CT of a battery was performed using our Bruker SkyScan 1275 micro-CT system.  The D-Cell battery was scanned

Biomimicry – The Burr and the Invention of Velcro

  Figure 1. Biomimicry of a burr (Left) for the invention of Velcro (Right). Nature has had billions of years to refine itself and develop a plethora of unique structures and functions. Scientists and engineers use what nature shows us to develop some of the most innovative technologies, such

Micro-CT for Insect Inspection: Cicada ~ Analysis of Its Anatomy

VIEW our Micro-CT Video of a Cicada! The Quintessential Sound of Cicadas Heard from the front porch, garden swing, or evening walk, the song of the cicada is the sound of summer. The sounds are from male cicadas, and are part of their mating ritual to attract females. Several species of

SkyScan 1173 from Micro Photonics being used to digitize all species of fish

With more than 25,000 species identified worldwide, fish demonstrate more species diversity than all other kinds of vertebrates. A unique project using a SkyScan 1173 Micro-CT Scanner from Micro Photonics is changing the way scientists, teachers, students, and amateur ichthyologists will be able to study any fish from around

Micro-CT for Insect Inspection: Bumble Bee ~ Analysis of Flight

Borrowing ideas from nature to improve methods of flight Flight has fascinated mankind from early attempts at flight and the Wright Flyer to today’s supersonic jets and the ever-increasing use of drones. Many universities as well as the government are working on flight methods that more closely resemble the

Plesiosaur Vertebra– The Backyard Fossil

At some point, every child becomes fascinated with dinosaurs, with their larger than life size and epic battles between predators (at least in the movies).  Those same children probably dream about trekking through the desert to find a dinosaur buried in the ground.  Well, for one such boy that

Clogged Spray Nozzle

As you sit in front of the hair stylist or barber, he or she may pull out a spray bottle to apply product for your stylish new look. Occasionally, the sprayer will just stop working, leaving the stylist frustrated. We had a stylist provide us with a nozzle that wasn’t working.

A Water Filter and the Watershed Model

          All of us expect the water we drink to be crystal clear and clean. Some people even go to the extent of using filtering methods to further clean our tap water. As the residents of Flint Michigan and other areas know, the use of a

Micro Photonics Welcomes Brandon Klingensmith to the Team

My name is Brandon Klingensmith and I am a native Yinzer from Pittsburgh. I am excited to join Micro Photonics because as a former SkyScan 1272 user at FTS International, I understood the importance of having a knowledgeable, dedicated service team behind me to support my research. I earned

Sandpaper – Virtual Sanding

Spring is coming and it is time to get the tools out of the shed to build, repair, or fix things. One tool that many of us use is sandpaper. Whether that old bench outside needs sanding or some copper pipes need cleaning before adding fittings, sandpaper is the

“INSIDE DENTISTRY” PUBLICATION

Dental Micro-CT We are glad to have worked in collaboration with Dr. Gregory Jacobs to provide dental micro-CT images for 3D printing and educational purposes in the dental field. Using the SkyScan 1172 micro-CT scanner, along with our visualization software suite, we were able to create virtual 2D and

Have you ever heard of the Yellowstone Supervolcano?

Micro-CT for Geology Remember in 2012 when the Yellowstone Supervolcano was supposed to erupt into a global catastrophe? Fortunately, the science of predicting eruptions has advanced greatly in the last 25 years, according to scientists at the Yellowstone Volcano Observatory. They estimate the probability of another major eruption as

Bruker Today Introduced the SkyScan 2211 Nano-CT

SkyScan 2211 Nano-CT Bruker today introduced the SkyScan 2211, a new high-resolution X-ray nano-CT (computed tomography) system with the widest available range of object sizes and spatial resolutions. With the SkyScan 2211, for the first time one single instrument is capable of non-destructive scanning and 3D reconstruction of internal microstructures

Have you got the gall?

Could it be that green mutations are not limited to The Hulk? Plant tumors are caused by insect infestation, bacteria, fungi, or viruses. In animals a tumor is defined as uncontrollable cellular division, generally due to DNA mutation. When localized and harmless, the abnormal growth (neoplasia) is referred to

A Hop Toward Oktoberfest

      Image of the Month: Hops Flower   Over 7 million liters of beer are consumed, endless parades are held, delicious specialty foods are consumed, and traditional lederhosen are worn; these are only a few highlights of Oktoberfest, one of the world’s largest festivals. Originating in Bavaria, Germany,

MicroCT of a Seahorse

September 2015 – Bio-Imitation of Seahorse Tail Inspires Innovative Robotic Machinery By Kaamna C. Mirchandani If imitation is truly the sincerest form of flattery, we should find seahorses overjoyed, along with spiders, snakes and sea cucumbers; other participants of the biomimicry effort. Known as the unique equine bony fish of

How It Was Done

Producing Images of the Jamestown Reliquary and its Contents The silver box brought to Micro Photonics by Jamestown Rediscovery begged the question: What is inside? The box, an important historic artifact, could not be opened without risk of damage to either the box itself or its contents. To find

What MicroCT Discovered

Every historical artifact holds a unique story. Perhaps it is a tale of an individual life forgotten over the centuries or insight into the cultural behavior of a long-defunct society. Forensic archaeologists have the fascinating but painstaking task of studying such artifacts, of analyzing trace amounts of evidence in

3D Printing

3D Printing Of the Bone Fragments After scanning and virtually imaging the bone fragments and ampulla in the Jamestown reliquary, we thought, wouldn’t it be great if you could hold them in your hand, if you could touch history? We decided to make that happen through 3D printing. Over

Jamestown History

Jamestown Rediscovery An Archaeological Project of Historic Jamestown, Virginia By Kaamna C. Mirchandani Historic Jamestown, Virginia is renowned as America’s birthplace and the first permanent English settlement dating back to 1607.  A charter group from London, the Virginia Company, initiated and funded by King James I, set sail to

Applications of Micro-CT

What are the applications for Micro-CT? Micro-CT (microtomography) instruments can scan a wide variety of samples.  One easy way to break down the types of applications for micro-CT is by separating them by instrument; those that scan living animals (in vivo) and those that scan everything else (ex vivo).  An

MicroCT of a Sparkler

Image of the Month: Sparkler   Since this Saturday marks the 4th of July, we wanted to join in the celebration. As most people go to see a fireworks show during this time of the year, we decided to have our own celebration a little early. Our warmup to the