Micro computed tomography unit for measuring volumetric bone density in small animals

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Measurement of bone is complex since not only does bone have different shapes, but it has different types and layers. For example the typical Swiss cheese network inside of bone is called trabecular bone and the hard outer shell is called cortical bone. As bones grow, calcium and other minerals are deposited on the outside of bone and also on the inside of bone. The inner trabecular bone is vital for keeping blood calcium constant, this is required for general health. The outer shell is important for bone strength. When one or both areas are reduced, bones can break. Scientists are not only interested in dietary calcium, but other nutrients like omega fats and protein that modulate how much calcium is deposited. Furthermore, immune cells also interact with bone causing higher risk for bones to break. This team of researchers at McGill is looking at how nutrition, energy metabolism and the immune system might interact to result in better bones and now wish to look deeper inside the bone. In order to look inside bone and determine how much trabecular and cortical bone exists the researchers are applying for a sophisticated x-ray machine that can be used without harming the animal. The machine is called a micro computed tomography machine. Adding this high-tec machine is important to all of the trainees involved since not only is it representative of the most widely accepted methodology, but it will permit them to learn on the most up to date equipment and to establish how nutrients and the immune system alter bone.