, Articles

X-ray Microscopic Examination of Functional PLA Filaments

  We are excited to begin featuring the newest addition to our laboratory, the Bruker X4 Poseidon desktop micro-CT. This instrument represents the next step in high-performance desktop micro-CT imaging, offering a flexible platform that can be configured to meet the needs of a wide range of research laboratories.

X-ray Microscopic Examination of an American Beaver Skull

 The micro-CT images in this study of an American beaver skull highlight the ability to examine fine structural details in a specimen far larger than the mice and rats we typically image. Using the large imaging volume of the SKYSCAN 1273, we acquired both standard and high-speed datasets

X-ray Microscopic Examination of an Oak Leaf Gall

As part of their biodiverse role in our environment, oak trees provide respite to many different animals and insects. One type of insect group commonly found on oak trees are the gall makers, which cause abnormal growth on leaves, twigs, bark, buds, flowers, acorns, and even roots of the

Researcher Spotlight: Micro-CT to Characterize Cervical Ligament Systems in Sauropod Dinosaurs

 Audrey Williams, MS Missouri University of Science and Technology Jerald D. Harris, PhD Professor Emeritus (Earth and Environmental Sciences) Utah Tech University This Researcher Spotlight highlights the work of Audrey Williams, who used micro-CT to non-destructively produce images that resembled traditional, physical, histological thin sections, preserving the fossil bone. Her

X-ray Microscopic Examination of a Giraffe Molar

X-ray Microscopic Examination of a Giraffe Molar    Figure 1: Photograph of the giraffe molar imaged in this studyAdapted for browsing on the tough, drought-resistant leaves and twigs of acacia species in African savannah ecosystems, giraffes possess molars characterized by relatively low crowns, broad rounded cusps, and thick enamel

Micro-CT to Visualize Implants and Surrounding Bone

Aatif Jabbar, BS;  Nahir Habet, MSc; Sarah Romereim, PhD; Bailey Fearing, PhD Musculoskeletal Institute Atrium Health Charlotte, NC     There are about one million total hip arthroplasties and total knee arthroplasties performed in the United States every year, a number that is expected to grow with an increasingly

Researcher Spotlight: Micro-CT to Help Characterize the Vagus Nerve

Naveen Jayaprakash,PhD Stavros Zanos, MD, PhD The Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research Mary Barbe, PhD Professor, Aging + Cardiovascular Discovery Center Lewis Katz School of Medicine, Temple University The vagus nerve has thousands of sensory and motor fibers that convey information between the brain and peripheral organs to maintain

X-ray Microscopic Examination of a Maple Samara

 Autumnal changes bring the release of seeds as part of the botanical cycle of life to propagate and sustain new growth each spring. One popular type of seed is a so-called “helicopter” or “whirlybird” seed, which arises from maple and several other tree species. While these pods do

More Than Epineurium Deep: Characterizing Peripheral Nerve Damage Using High-Resolution Micro-Computed Tomography for Simulated Peripheral Nerve Lacerations

Rasa Zhukauskas MD, lead author Principal Scientist, R&D Axogen Corporation, Alachua, FL The micro-CT imaging for this study was performed using SkyScan 1272 CMOS edition scanning system at Micro Photonics using previously developed system settings for all samples. Seth Hogg, PhD, Lab Manager for Micro Photonics in Allentown, PA,

Studying dental restorations with the new X4 POSEIDON micro-CT

The X4 POSEIDON modular micro-CT system offers researchers superior insights into the microstructure of teeth and dental restorations. Micro-CT provides 3-dimensional imaging on a small scale with very high resolution, with no sample preparation or slicing. The internal structure of tissue and the internal adaptation of materials to surfaces

Multiscale X-ray Microscopic Examination of a Peppermill and Peppercorn

  Micro-CT is a versatile tool for non-destructive 3D multiscale analysis, as demonstrated in our study of a peppermill and a peppercorn. Utilizing 3D imaging at various scales allows us to perform a fast, screening method for a low-resolution view of our samples, and to perform a detailed, high-resolution

Scan 6 mice in 28 seconds with the InAlyzer2 DEXA system

Micro Photonics has partnered with Somni Scientific to create a unique manifold (one, three, or six-way mouse anesthesia splitter) as an accessory to the InAlyzer2 DEXA instrument. Our goal at Micro Photonics is always seeking to support our customers in their research. We worked with Somni Scientific to develop

Researcher Spotlight: Studying the mechanical design of the octocoral polyp

Les Watling, PhD Professor Emeritus, School of Life Sciences, University of Hawaii at Mānoa, and Emeritus Professor of Oceanography, University of Maine’s Darling Marine Center Megan L. Porter, PhD Professor and Associate Director of Research, School of Life Sciences, University of Hawaii Dr. Porter is responsible to the micro-CT

Multiscale X-ray Microscopic Examination of a Snapdragon Seed Pod (Antirrhinum)

The propagation of plants through their clever use of seeds is well studied in academia and useful in biomimicry applications. While most seeds have evolved distinct characteristics to help ensure the survival of each species, pods left behind that are full of seeds after the blooms fall from a

Micro-CT Porosity Analysis of 3D Structures

In both materials science and biological research projects, porosity is a highly important parameter in assessing samples. Most samples will contain both solid and void regions, and common applications studied include membranes and filtration media, pharmaceutical products and drug delivery systems, additively manufactured parts, and cortical and trabecular bone.

Researcher Spotlight: Using micro-CT and DEXA scanning to study bone biology

This Researcher Spotlight highlights the work of Joseph Wallace, PhD, who uses micro-CT and DEXA technology in his bone research. The lab incorporates co-morbidity models that reflect clinical patient complications, such as diabetes and chronic kidney disease (CKD) that impact bone health and increase bone fracture risk.   Joseph

Comparative X-ray Microscopic Examination of a Fossilized Shell

How Much Faster is the X4 Poseidon Micro-CT vs the SkyScan 1272? Figure 1: Photograph of the fossilized shell imaged on both the SkyScan 1272 CMOS Edition and the Bruker X4 Poseidon desktop micro-CT instrumentsImage quality, resolution, and the types of samples that can be studied are all factors

Multiscale X-ray Microscopic Examination of Cacao

 While chocolate is synonymous with the month of February, we wanted to take a deeper dive into understanding the process of chocolate manufacturing. At the same time, we took this opportunity to compare the SkyScan 1272, SkyScan 1273, and Bruker’s newest instrument, the X4 Poseidon Modular Micro-CT system.

X-ray Microscopic Examination of Multilayer Tablets

The simplicity and large-scale manufacturing capabilities of pharmaceutical tablets are key to their wide usage for drug administration. Micro-CT high resolution 3D visualization is indispensable as a non-destructive technique to investigate the internal structure of tablets, for both product development and production quality control. Full-tablet imaging provides porosity analysis,

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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 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 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 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

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 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 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

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 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 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 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 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

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 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 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 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

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

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Introduction. Welcome to www.microphotonics.com. This website is owned and operated by Micro Photonics Inc. By visiting our website and accessing the information, resources, services, products, and tools we provide, you understand and agree to accept and adhere to the following terms and conditions as stated in this policy (hereafter referred to as ‘User Agreement’), along with the terms and conditions as stated in our Privacy Policy (please refer to the Privacy Policy section below for more information).

This agreement is in effect as of October 25, 2018.

We reserve the right to change this User Agreement from time to time without notice. You acknowledge and agree that it is your responsibility to review this User Agreement periodically to familiarize yourself with any modifications. Your continued use of this site after such modifications will constitute acknowledgment and agreement of the modified terms and conditions.

Responsible Use and Conduct. By visiting our website and accessing the information, resources, services, products, and tools we provide for you, either directly or indirectly (hereafter referred to as ‘Resources’), you agree to use these Resources only for the purposes intended as permitted by (a) the terms of this User Agreement, (b) the terms of any applicable confidentiality, non-disclosure, or other agreement between you and a third party, and (c) applicable laws, regulations and generally accepted online practices or guidelines.

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