The Chicago Field Museum is renowned as one of the largest and most esteemed natural history museums globally. Let’s take a fascinating journey behind the scenes to discover how specimens are meticulously prepared and preserved for future study.
The process of preparing specimens begins with obtaining a tissue sample. This involves making a small incision to extract a portion of the liver. The sample is then immersed in a formalin solution for a week, followed by a gradual alcohol bath, increasing the concentration from 20% to 70%. This meticulous preservation technique ensures that specimens can be maintained for hundreds of years, providing invaluable resources for research.
The mammals prep lab is a captivating place to work, filled with jars and cabinets housing preserved specimens, including various body parts like intestines. While some DNA samples can be extracted later, most researchers depend on tissue samples for their studies. Working in this lab is a unique experience, often envied by others, but it involves some unusual tasks, such as cleaning specimens. The odors in the lab are distinctive, with a mix of ammonia and other scents emanating from the tissues.
One of the intriguing aspects of this job is encountering the diverse smells of different mammals. Each species has its own unique scent. For example, primates have a distinct aroma, while chipmunks surprisingly emit a pleasant fragrance. These olfactory experiences add an unexpected layer of interest to the work.
Part of the specimen preparation involves finishing the skinning process to create a study skin. This includes leaving the nails on one foot while removing them from the other, ensuring that one set remains with the skeleton. After dismembering the specimen and removing excess meat, it is processed by beetles and eventually added to the museum’s collection for future study.
Not all specimens are in perfect condition. Occasionally, the skin may begin to decompose, a process known as “slipping,” which indicates the skin is starting to break down. Despite these challenges, working with these specimens is a unique and rewarding experience, offering insights into the natural world and contributing to scientific knowledge.
Overall, working behind the scenes at the Chicago Field Museum is a distinctive and fulfilling experience. It combines the challenges of specimen preparation with the excitement of contributing to scientific research and preserving history for future generations. This behind-the-scenes glimpse reveals the dedication and expertise required to maintain one of the world’s most respected natural history collections.
Join a virtual tour of the mammals prep lab at the Chicago Field Museum. Observe the process of specimen preparation and preservation. Pay attention to the techniques used and take notes on the unique challenges faced by the lab technicians. Reflect on how these methods contribute to scientific research.
Participate in a hands-on workshop where you will learn the basics of specimen preparation. Practice making incisions and preserving tissue samples using safe, simulated materials. Discuss with your peers the importance of these techniques in maintaining biological specimens for future study.
Engage in an olfactory exploration activity where you will experience various scents associated with different mammals. Create a scent profile for a selected species and present your findings to the class. Consider how these unique aromas can provide insights into the biology and ecology of each species.
Attend a demonstration on creating study skins. Observe the process of skinning and preparing a specimen for the museum’s collection. Discuss the ethical considerations and scientific value of creating study skins with your classmates.
Conduct research on the challenges of specimen preservation, such as skin decomposition and “slipping.” Prepare a presentation that outlines these challenges and propose potential solutions or improvements. Share your findings with the class and engage in a discussion on the future of specimen preservation.
The Chicago Field Museum is one of the largest and most respected natural history museums in the world. Join me as we go behind the scenes!
So, how we prepare specimens is first by taking a tissue sample. We make a small incision and extract a portion of the liver. We then place it in a formalin solution to soak for a week, followed by an alcohol bath, gradually increasing the concentration from 20% to 70%. This process allows us to preserve specimens for hundreds of years.
There are jars and cabinets filled with preserved specimens. For example, we have various parts, including intestines. While some DNA samples can be taken later, most researchers rely on tissue samples.
This is the mammals prep lab, and it’s a fascinating place to work. People often express envy about my job, but it involves some unique tasks, like cleaning specimens. The odors can be quite distinct, with a mix of ammonia and other scents from the tissues.
One of the best aspects of this job is experiencing the variety of smells from different mammals. For instance, primates have a unique scent, and chipmunks have a surprisingly pleasant aroma.
As for the specimens, I will be finishing the skinning process to create a study skin. I’ll leave the nails on one foot and remove them from the other, ensuring one set remains with the skeleton. After dismembering the specimen and removing excess meat, it will be processed by beetles and eventually added to the collection for future study.
However, not all specimens are in perfect condition. Sometimes the skin can start to decompose, which is not ideal. In this case, the skin is slipping, indicating it’s beginning to break down.
Overall, working with these specimens is a unique and rewarding experience, despite the challenges that come with it.
Specimen – A sample or part of a material, organism, or substance used for scientific analysis or study. – The biologist collected a specimen of the rare plant to analyze its genetic composition.
Preparation – The process of making a biological sample ready for examination or analysis. – The lab technician spent hours on the preparation of the slides for the microscope study.
Preservation – The maintenance of a biological sample’s original condition to prevent decay or degradation. – The preservation of the tissue samples was crucial for the long-term study of cellular changes.
Research – The systematic investigation into and study of materials and sources to establish facts and reach new conclusions. – Her research on the impact of climate change on marine ecosystems provided valuable insights.
Mammals – A class of warm-blooded vertebrates characterized by the presence of mammary glands, hair, and three middle ear bones. – The study focused on the social behaviors of mammals in their natural habitats.
Tissue – A group of cells that perform a specific function in an organism. – The scientist examined the tissue samples to understand the effects of the disease at a cellular level.
Study – A detailed examination and analysis of a subject or phenomenon to discover new information or reach a new understanding. – The study of plant responses to drought conditions revealed significant adaptive mechanisms.
Aromas – Distinctive smells or scents that can be emitted by plants, animals, or other biological sources. – The researcher analyzed the aromas released by flowers to understand their role in pollinator attraction.
Challenges – Difficulties or obstacles encountered during scientific investigation or environmental management. – One of the main challenges in conservation biology is balancing human needs with wildlife protection.
Knowledge – Information and understanding acquired through study or experience in a particular field. – The professor’s extensive knowledge of ecological systems was evident in her engaging lectures.
