Since its opening in 1894, the Field Museum has witnessed a remarkable evolution in technology. From the introduction of computers and cameras to the creation of a YouTube show and a digital database, the museum has embraced modern advancements. Recently, I had the opportunity to speak with Ryan Felice, a researcher at University College London, about a groundbreaking technology that seemed unimaginable not too long ago: a 3-D surface scanner, which I like to call “the amazing laser.” This isn’t science fiction; it’s a real tool that allows us to create highly detailed digital representations of skeletal anatomy.
The primary reason for using this technology at the museum is to scan a vast array of specimens. Our goal is to gather information on 15% to 20% of the genera living today. To achieve this, we visit large museum collections like the Field Museum and scan everything we can. In the past, researchers had to transport skulls to hospital CT scanners. While some hospitals and universities have CT machines, they are limited in size and accessibility. With the 3-D scanner, we can scan specimens on-site, ranging from small pigeon skulls to large saltwater crocodile skulls. This technology is truly transformative.
When specimens were collected centuries ago, no one could have predicted how they would be used in the future. Today, museum collections serve as a vital source of data for researchers studying skeletons and paleontology. Previously, we relied on photographs and linear measurements, which are still valuable. However, the 3-D scanner provides much more detailed information, enhancing our understanding of these specimens.
Using the scanner is straightforward. We simply point it at a specimen, such as a mute swan skull, and with a few clicks, we begin creating a digital model. The scanner emits a blue laser line at the skull, and a camera captures the reflection, measuring depth information. This data is combined with spatial information from the scanner’s arm, which tracks its position in space. By merging these data points, we can recreate the specimen’s shape in a computer. The process is quick, taking less than two minutes to capture what the eye can see. By scanning both sides of the specimen, we create a complete digital model.
The primary research goal is to understand how skeletal diversity has evolved over time across various land animals, including birds, mammals, amphibians, and reptiles. By creating digital models, we can take precise measurements and analyze anatomy in complex ways. This technology allows us to work on digital files in the lab for extended periods, eliminating the need for repeated museum visits. The ability to gather extensive data quickly is a significant advantage of this advanced technology.
While digital models are invaluable, they cannot replace the need for physical specimens. Having the actual bones allows researchers to explore internal structures that current technology cannot capture, such as the inside of the nasal cavity or brain case. As technology continues to advance, new tools will emerge, enabling even more detailed studies. Therefore, maintaining original artifacts is crucial for future research and verification of past studies.
In conclusion, the integration of 3-D scanning technology in museums marks a significant step forward in anatomical research. While digital models offer new possibilities, the importance of preserving physical specimens remains. This balance ensures that science continues to evolve, allowing researchers to revisit and verify findings as technology progresses.
Participate in a hands-on workshop where you will use a 3-D scanner to create digital models of various objects. This activity will help you understand the practical applications of the technology discussed in the article and give you firsthand experience in digital data collection.
Collaborate with your peers to design a virtual museum tour using digital models created from 3-D scans. This project will enhance your understanding of how technology can be used to make museum collections more accessible and engaging for a global audience.
Conduct a research project analyzing skeletal diversity using digital models. Present your findings to the class, focusing on how 3-D scanning technology has enhanced your ability to study anatomical variations across different species.
Engage in a structured debate on the pros and cons of using digital models versus physical specimens in research. This activity will encourage you to critically evaluate the role of technology in scientific studies and the importance of preserving original artifacts.
Participate in a brainstorming session to envision future technological advancements in museum research. Discuss potential tools and methods that could further revolutionize data collection and analysis, building on the concepts introduced in the article.
Sure! Here’s a sanitized version of the transcript:
—
Since the Field Museum opened in 1894, this institution and many like ours have seen an incredible rise in technological advancements. We now have computers, cameras, a YouTube show, and a searchable digital database. Recently, I spoke with Ryan Felice, a researcher at University College London, about technology I could have never imagined in my lifetime. It’s a 3-D surface scanner, which I like to call “the amazing laser.” This isn’t a set piece from a sci-fi movie; it’s real and allows us to create digital representations of skeletal anatomy with very high resolution.
The reason you’re here at the museum is to scan a lot of material. Yes, we are trying to gather information about 15% to 20% of genera living today. The only way we can achieve this is by visiting large museum collections like the Field Museum and scanning everything. Previously, we would have to take skulls to a hospital CT scanner. There are a few hospitals that have good relationships with researchers, and some select universities have micro CT machines that can scan objects about the size of a baseball. But with this technology, we can go to where the specimens are and scan everything from a small pigeon skull to a saltwater crocodile skull that’s two and a half feet long. This technology is truly remarkable.
When specimens were collected 100 or 200 years ago, we had no idea how they would be utilized in the future. This is the future of how we can use technology in museums. (Ryan) It’s true. Museum collections are a primary source of data for those studying skeletons and paleontologists. Until recently, we relied on photographs or linear measurements with calipers or rulers, which are still valuable, but this technology allows us to obtain much more detailed information.
I’m excited to see how this works. All we have to do is point the scanner at our mute swan skull, and with a couple of clicks, we start creating the model. Wow! There’s the back of the skull and the beak. How does this work? (Ryan) There are two things happening. At the tip of the scanner, there’s a laser emitter shooting a blue line at the skull. Right next to it is a camera that captures the reflection of the laser as it hits the specimen and measures the depth information. This is combined with spatial information from the arm of the scanner, which tells the computer where the scanner is in space.
By combining the XYZ coordinates of that spatial information with the depth information from the laser, we can completely recreate the shape of the specimen in a computer. This process is instantaneous. You’re just using this scanner and capturing the skull. In less than two minutes, you can recreate everything your eye can see. We just need to flip the specimen over, scan the other side, and combine the top and bottom to create a perfectly recreated surface of the structures.
What is the research goal of obtaining this information with this technology? We want to understand how skeletal diversity has evolved over time across various land animals—birds, mammals, amphibians, reptiles—and we aim to grasp very minute details of shape evolution. By creating these digital models, we can take robust measurements and quantify anatomy in complex ways. We can also bring the digital files back to our lab and work on them for months or years, rather than spending all our time in a museum or having to visit multiple museums repeatedly. Gathering such a wide data set in a short amount of time wouldn’t have been possible without this advanced technology.
(Emily) Do you think this technology can replace the need to store specimens in our museum if we have a digital copy of a high-quality scan? We appreciate this technology. It allows us to conduct new and interesting anatomical research that we couldn’t have done five years ago. However, it’s not the pinnacle of anatomical science, and you can never truly replace having the actual bones in your hands. As impressive as this is, we’re not capturing internal structures like the inside of the nasal cavity or brain case. In ten years, there will be new tools, and another researcher will say, “Look at what we can do now!” So, we always want to have the original artifacts to refer back to and remeasure.
That’s a great point. It’s essential to have the original artifacts so that new teams of researchers can revisit studies and verify the conclusions of the original researchers. That’s how science works. Yes, exactly. If everyone were using one person’s digital models instead of the actual remains, it would diminish some aspects of repeatability.
This has been fantastic. Thank you!
—
Accessibility provided by the U.S. Department of Education.
Evolution – The process by which different kinds of living organisms are thought to have developed and diversified from earlier forms during the history of the earth. – The study of evolution helps scientists understand how species adapt to changing environments over millions of years.
Technology – The application of scientific knowledge for practical purposes, especially in industry. – Advances in technology have significantly enhanced the accuracy and efficiency of genetic sequencing.
Specimens – Individual animals, plants, or minerals used as an example of their species or type for scientific study or display. – The biologist collected several specimens from the rainforest to analyze their genetic makeup.
Anatomy – The branch of science concerned with the bodily structure of humans, animals, and other living organisms. – Understanding the anatomy of the human brain is crucial for developing treatments for neurological disorders.
Scanning – The process of using a device or technique to examine or obtain information about an object or area. – MRI scanning is a non-invasive method used to visualize the internal structures of the body.
Research – The systematic investigation into and study of materials and sources in order to establish facts and reach new conclusions. – Ongoing research in cellular biology is essential for the development of new medical therapies.
Diversity – The variety and variability of life forms within a given ecosystem, biome, or the entire planet. – Biodiversity is crucial for maintaining ecosystem balance and resilience against environmental changes.
Models – Representations or simulations of a system or phenomenon, often used to predict or analyze complex processes. – Computational models are used to simulate climate change scenarios and predict future environmental impacts.
Data – Facts and statistics collected together for reference or analysis. – The researchers analyzed the data from the experiment to determine the effects of the new drug on cell growth.
Museums – Institutions that collect, preserve, and display objects of historical, cultural, or scientific importance. – Natural history museums play a vital role in educating the public about the diversity of life on Earth.
