Explore thousands of CT-scanned natural history specimens for free at the Florida Museum of Natural History.
Natural history museums have taken a significant leap forward in scientific discovery and accessibility with the completion of the openVertebrate (oVert) project, a five-year collaborative effort among 18 institutions to create 3D reconstructions of vertebrate specimens and provide free online access to them. This pioneering project aims to revolutionize the way researchers, students, teachers, and the public interact with natural history specimens.
The project, led by the Florida Museum of Natural History, has scanned over 13,000 specimens between 2017 and 2023, covering a wide range of vertebrate species. These scans, performed using CT technology, reveal intricate details of the specimens' internal structures, offering a non-destructive alternative to traditional dissection methods. Particularly noteworthy is the visualization of soft tissues such as skin, muscle, and organs, which was made possible through the use of contrast-enhancing solutions.
By making these high-quality 3D models accessible online, the oVert project not only democratizes access to valuable scientific resources but also enables a diverse set of users worldwide to explore and study vertebrate diversity remotely. This initiative marks a crucial shift in the traditional paradigm of museum collections, which have often been restricted to a select group of researchers who could physically access the specimens.
The project's scope extended to challenging specimens like large animals such as humpback whales and Galapagos tortoises, which required innovative approaches to be scanned effectively. The digital reconstructions created through oVert have already led to groundbreaking discoveries, such as the identification of unique bone structures in spiny mice and insights into the evolutionary history and biological adaptations of various vertebrates.
Furthermore, the oVert project has not only advanced scientific research but also facilitated educational outreach and artistic endeavors. Teachers have utilized the 3D models in classrooms to enhance students' understanding of evolution, while artists have used the data to create realistic animal replicas and museum exhibits. The project's impact extends to virtual reality applications, where users can interact with and manipulate the specimens in virtual environments.
Looking ahead, the challenge lies in developing sophisticated tools, such as machine learning algorithms and supercomputing capabilities, to fully leverage the vast amount of data generated by the oVert project. Initiatives like the Non-Clinical Tomography Users Research Network (NoCTURN) are being developed to provide researchers, educators, and industry professionals with the necessary resources to analyze and interpret the wealth of 3D natural history data now available.
In conclusion, the oVert project represents a groundbreaking endeavor that not only pushes the boundaries of scientific research but also fosters collaboration, innovation, and accessibility in the study of vertebrate diversity. The implications of this project extend beyond traditional scientific inquiry, encompassing educational, artistic, and technological domains, and paving the way for a new era of exploration and discovery in natural history.
Source: https://www.eurekalert.org/news-releases/1035949
The project, led by the Florida Museum of Natural History, has scanned over 13,000 specimens between 2017 and 2023, covering a wide range of vertebrate species. These scans, performed using CT technology, reveal intricate details of the specimens' internal structures, offering a non-destructive alternative to traditional dissection methods. Particularly noteworthy is the visualization of soft tissues such as skin, muscle, and organs, which was made possible through the use of contrast-enhancing solutions.
By making these high-quality 3D models accessible online, the oVert project not only democratizes access to valuable scientific resources but also enables a diverse set of users worldwide to explore and study vertebrate diversity remotely. This initiative marks a crucial shift in the traditional paradigm of museum collections, which have often been restricted to a select group of researchers who could physically access the specimens.
The project's scope extended to challenging specimens like large animals such as humpback whales and Galapagos tortoises, which required innovative approaches to be scanned effectively. The digital reconstructions created through oVert have already led to groundbreaking discoveries, such as the identification of unique bone structures in spiny mice and insights into the evolutionary history and biological adaptations of various vertebrates.
Furthermore, the oVert project has not only advanced scientific research but also facilitated educational outreach and artistic endeavors. Teachers have utilized the 3D models in classrooms to enhance students' understanding of evolution, while artists have used the data to create realistic animal replicas and museum exhibits. The project's impact extends to virtual reality applications, where users can interact with and manipulate the specimens in virtual environments.
Looking ahead, the challenge lies in developing sophisticated tools, such as machine learning algorithms and supercomputing capabilities, to fully leverage the vast amount of data generated by the oVert project. Initiatives like the Non-Clinical Tomography Users Research Network (NoCTURN) are being developed to provide researchers, educators, and industry professionals with the necessary resources to analyze and interpret the wealth of 3D natural history data now available.
In conclusion, the oVert project represents a groundbreaking endeavor that not only pushes the boundaries of scientific research but also fosters collaboration, innovation, and accessibility in the study of vertebrate diversity. The implications of this project extend beyond traditional scientific inquiry, encompassing educational, artistic, and technological domains, and paving the way for a new era of exploration and discovery in natural history.
Source: https://www.eurekalert.org/news-releases/1035949
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