X-ray tube replacement for Micro-CT Imaging of Musculoskeletal Development and Adaptation

非侵入性3D成像的进步为研究人员提供了前所未有的研究生物形态的机会，同时保留标本以供补充或未来研究。该提案汇集了三位早期职业科学家，他们采用先进的3D成像来研究骨骼发育和适应。具体而言，请拨的资金将用于更换微型计算机断层扫描仪的X射线管。这项技术是医疗诊所中使用的计算机断层扫描（CT）的一种更强大的变体，它利用X射线对生物结构的外部和内部结构进行成像，精确到千分之几毫米的尺度-字面上接近细胞细节。这种规模的非侵入性研究内部结构的能力对于骨骼的研究具有变革性意义。 事实上，申请人库珀博士、鲍纳博士和伊姆斯博士都依靠微型CT来研究各种动物的骨骼如何发育和适应一系列功能和环境。库珀博士的研究重点是骨骼内输送血管的小通道，其3D模式已被调整，以尽量减少这些空隙对骨骼机械功能的影响。 Boughner博士专注于牙齿和颌骨发育之间的关系，协调对于生物体的生存至关重要。 Eames博士研究骨骼适应和发育，重点是鱼类模型，因为骨骼形式和功能的最广泛变化发生在鱼类中。 X射线管就像灯泡一样，最终会因使用而烧坏。目前的申请旨在获得资金，以缓解成本突然增加的情况，这种情况将导致中断和可能失去微型CT技术。 RTI计划的支持将确保他们目前的X射线管即将发生的故障不会对该小组的研究生产力产生负面影响。

Advances in non-invasive 3D imaging afford researchers the opportunity to investigate biological form at an unprecedented level while preserving the specimen for complementary or future study. This proposal brings together three early-career scientists who employ advanced 3D imaging to study skeletal development and adaptation. Specifically, the funds requested will contribute to the replacement of an X-ray tube for a micro-computed tomography (micro-CT) scanner. This technology, a more powerful variant of computed tomography (CT) seen in medical clinics, utilizes x-rays to image the external and internal structure of biological structures down to the scale of a few thousandths of a millimeter - literally approaching cellular detail. The ability to non-invasively study internal structure on this scale has been transformative for the study of the skeleton. Indeed, the applicants, Drs. Cooper, Boughner and Eames, all rely on micro-CT to study how the skeletons of various animals develop and adapt to a range of functions and environments. Dr. Cooper's research focuses on the small channels within bone which convey blood vessels and whose 3D patterns have been adapted to minimize the impact of these voids on bone's mechanical function. Dr. Boughner focuses on the relationship between tooth and jaw development where coordination is critical for an organism's survival. Dr. Eames studies skeletal adaptation and development with a focus on fish models, since the broadest variations in skeletal form and function occur in fishes. X-ray tubes, like light bulbs, eventually burn out from use. The current application seeks to secure funds to mitigate a sudden increase in costs that will lead to the interruption and possible loss of access to micro-CT technology. Support from the RTI program will ensure that the imminent failure of their current X-ray tube does not negatively impact the research productivity of this group.