Speaker
Description
The physical extraction of fossilised remains from rocks enables quantitative physiological investigation of bone-dimensions, volume, and porosity, however leads to the destruction of valuable contextual information and soft-tissue remains within the matrix.
Conventional and synchrotron-based X-ray computed tomography (XCT) have been utilised for many years as critical tools in uncovering valuable 3-D internal and surface renderings of scientifically important fossils, however poor contrast and X-ray penetration often prevents thorough tomographic analysis. DINGO, Australia’s neutron micro-computed tomography (nCT) instrument, located at the OPAL nuclear research reactor, is being used to obtain unpreceded renderings of extraordinary fossilised anatomical features not visible with conventional imaging techniques. Drawing upon specimens scanned from across Australia, North America, New Zealand, and China, this presentation will demonstrate DINGO’s capabilities and the complementarity of nCT to classic XCT methods for certain geological formations and fossil localities.
A selection of nCT case studies to be presented:
- nCT studies conducted on a Jurassic cynodont, one of the earliest and
most primitive ancestors to all living mammals, revealing exceptional
conservation of internal bone structure of the cranium, teeth and
internal tissues; features that are not visibly rendered by XCT, nor
phase-propagation synchrotron XCT methods. - The illumination of “corrective procedures” in paleontological
specimens - Uncovering the morphology and internal anatomy of fire-adapted
mid-Cretaceous south polar conifers - Applicability of nCT to the Richards Spur locality,Oklahoma, USA.
- Stomach contents of dinosaurs and early birds.
| Level of Expertise | Expert |
|---|---|
| Do yo wish to take part in the poster slam | No |
| Speakers Gender | Male |
| Travel Funding | No |
