Three-dimensional scanning for radiolarian skeleton using X-ray microCT: A practical study toward establishment of the new technology

2018 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 16K05596
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research (C)
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Section: 一般
• Research Field: Stratigraphy/Paleontology
• Research Institution: Tottori University
• Principal Investigator: ISHIDA Naoto 鳥取大学, 工学研究科, 助教 (20534746)
• Research Collaborator: KISHIMOTO naoko
• Project Period (FY): 2016-04-01 – 2019-03-31
• Keywords: 放散虫化石 / Ｘ線マイクロCT / ３次元イメージング技術 / 古生物学的記載

Outline of Final Research Achievements

This study aimed to establish the three-dimensional scanning using X-ray microCT as a practical description tool for taxonomic characters of radiolarians. As a result of this study, resolution capability of our device, that demonstrated the ability to reach under 1 micrometer, enable us to describe for all characters of radiolarian skeletons. On a practical analysis for spherical Nassellarian skeletons, initial spicules in closed-spherical shells were recorded for the first time, non-destructively. Responses for this new technology were terrific at the international association for radiolarian scientists.

Free Research Field

微古生物学

Academic Significance and Societal Importance of the Research Achievements

地球史を解明する重要なツールである放散虫化石に対し，高解像型Ｘ線マイクロCTによる３Ｄイメージング技術を古生物学的記載手段とした．本研究で達成した解像度はナノメートルオーダーであり，放散虫の全形質を記録できる．これまで放散虫の観察は光学顕微鏡や走査型電子顕微鏡が使われてきたが，Ｘ線マイクロCTは第３の記載ツールとして確立され，専門家からもその有用性を称賛されている．