Endocranial XRT studies of fossil vertebrates
The fossil skulls are vertebrates are often rare and composed of dense material unsuitable for medical imaging techniques. The School of Materials (University of Manchester) possesses a high-resolution, computerised tomography and digital radiography system (HMXST 225), from X-Tek Systems Ltd., employing a microfocus X-ray source (5μm focal spot size) capable of tube potentials up to 225kV. The high-resolution X-Ray computer tomography (XRT) allows the non-destructive imaging of internal structure and architecture of relatively dense fossils. Two lines of research are currently being pursued on endocranial XRT studies.
Working with Dr Kenneth Carpenter (Denver Museum), Tyler Lyson (Yale and the Marmarth Research Foundation) and The Manchester Museum (University of Manchester) we are using XRT to image the internal microstructure of pachycephalosaur skull domes. Previous studies on the internal structure of the thickened dome above the braincase of pachycephalosaurs have relied upon physical sectioning of skulls, the non-invasive techniques being employed by the Manchester team will enable high-resolution 3D models of the skull to be generated. The study is part of an on-going research theme on the mechanical behaviour of biological materials.
Research into the endocranial structure, morphology and geometry of a Macroplata longirostris using XRT is near completion. The project has applied high resolution x-ray computer tomography (CT) imaging to the braincase of a single Macroplata longirostris specimen held at the Manchester Museum (University of Manchester). This investigation will achieve a greater understanding of the endocranial geometry of this extinct marine reptile and review the phylogenetic and palaeobiological implications. The ManchesterMacroplata ‘near-brain’ project is collaborating with researchers and additional fossil material at the University of Cambridge (Dr Leslie Noe).
The wealth of vertebrate remains held in the collections of the Manchester Museum (University of Manchester) will be the subject or future XRT studies.