Biology in 3D: X-ray micro computed tomography as a tool for advanced morphological analysis

Biology in 3D: X-ray micro computed tomography as a tool for advanced morphological analysis

Abstrakt

X-ray micro computed tomography (microCT) is emerging as a transformative tool in biological research, particularly in the fields of developmental and evolutionary biology. While traditionally used in materials science and industry, microCT’s ability to generate high-resolution, three-dimensional, non-destructive visualizations makes it uniquely suited for studying complex biological structures across time and samples. This work will explore the diverse applications of microCT in analyzing morphology, from early developmental stages to adult forms, and how this technology can uncover genotype–phenotype connections. Because microCT is non-destructive and requires minimal sample preparation, it enables complete volumetric scans of entire organisms or organs while preserving their anatomical context. Researchers can explore internal structures in 3D, similar to stacked 2D microscopy slices, but with greater spatial resolution, enabling volumetric analysis. Moreover, microCT enables detailed studies of developmental processes, comparative morphology, and structural adaptations. Beyond imaging, microCT data can be analyzed to extract a wide range of quantitative parameters, including volume, wall thickness, surface area, angles, and lengths. Shape analysis using anatomical landmarks and morphometrics enables robust comparisons across different developmental stages, species, or experimental treatments. This work will highlight practical workflows, from scanning and segmentation to 3D rendering and analysis, designed to make microCT accessible to biologists. We aim to showcase how this technique can become a core tool in the developmental and evolutionary biologist’s toolkit, offering new ways to quantify, compare, and understand biological form in three dimensions.

X-ray micro computed tomography (microCT) is emerging as a transformative tool in biological research, particularly in the fields of developmental and evolutionary biology. While traditionally used in materials science and industry, microCT’s ability to generate high-resolution, three-dimensional, non-destructive visualizations makes it uniquely suited for studying complex biological structures across time and samples. This work will explore the diverse applications of microCT in analyzing morphology, from early developmental stages to adult forms, and how this technology can uncover genotype–phenotype connections. Because microCT is non-destructive and requires minimal sample preparation, it enables complete volumetric scans of entire organisms or organs while preserving their anatomical context. Researchers can explore internal structures in 3D, similar to stacked 2D microscopy slices, but with greater spatial resolution, enabling volumetric analysis. Moreover, microCT enables detailed studies of developmental processes, comparative morphology, and structural adaptations. Beyond imaging, microCT data can be analyzed to extract a wide range of quantitative parameters, including volume, wall thickness, surface area, angles, and lengths. Shape analysis using anatomical landmarks and morphometrics enables robust comparisons across different developmental stages, species, or experimental treatments. This work will highlight practical workflows, from scanning and segmentation to 3D rendering and analysis, designed to make microCT accessible to biologists. We aim to showcase how this technique can become a core tool in the developmental and evolutionary biologist’s toolkit, offering new ways to quantify, compare, and understand biological form in three dimensions.

PAROBKOVÁ, V.; PROCHÁZKOVÁ, P.; ZIKMUND, T.; BUCHTOVÁ, M.; KAISER, J.

01.11.2025

3rd Conference of the Visegrad Group Society for Developmental Biology3rd Conference of the Visegrad Group Society for Developmental Biology

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