Neutron‐based computed microtomography: Pliobates cataloniae and Barberapithecus huerzeleri as a test‐case study

Abstract

Low bone/matrix intensity difference with X-ray μCT scans in IPS58443.1 is due to the extreme similarity in chemical composition between the matrix and the fossilized tissues, and the presence of high-density elements. In IPS1724, it is attributable to the convergence of enamel and dentine compositions during fossilization. On the contrary, neutron radiation returns very different contrasts for different isotopes of the same element and easily penetrates most metals. Neutron-based μCT scans therefore enable a correct definition of the bone/sediment and enamel/dentine interfaces, and hence a better segmentation of the images stack. We conclude that neutron radiation represents a successful alternative for high-resolution µCT of small-sized fossils that are problematic with X-rays.

A Novel Method for Assessing Enamel Thickness Distribution in the Anterior Dentition as a Signal for Gouging and Other Extractive Foraging Behaviors in Gummivorous Mammals

“…Folia Primatol 2020;91:365-384 382 Selig/López-Torres/Hartstone-Rose/Nash/ Burrows/Silcox DOI: 10.1159/000502819 allow for the visualization of relative enamel thickness in fossils that are difficult to image using traditional micro-CT [Urciuoli et al, 2018]. In the case of worn or broken teeth, so long as the top of the pulp cavity is preserved, the method proposed here ensures that both worn and broken teeth can be measured with informative accuracy.…”

Neutron microtomography to investigate the bone-implant interface—comparison with histological analysis

“…Neutron tomography has been applied to several fields (Kardjilov et al, 2018) such as geomechanics (Tengattini et al, 2021) and materials sciences. Because neutrons have minimal influence on the structural integrity of matter (Burca et al, 2018), neutron tomography represents a good probe for imaging biological specimens, and has been used to investigate structure and composition of pearls (Micieli et al, 2018) and fossils (Schwarz et al, 2005;Urciuoli et al, 2018). In biomechanics, the technique has only recently been applied to study the bone-implant interface, proving its ability to reduce artefacts around metallic implants in contrast to X-ray tomography (Isaksson et al, 2017).…”

Neutron scanning reveals unexpected complexity in the enamel thickness of an herbivorous Jurassic reptile

“…Neutron CT successfully allowed enamel and dentine to be differentiated within the fossil tooth despite the boundary being unclear in higher-resolution X-ray tomography. This example (along with [ 69 ]) highlights the potential of neutron tomography as a viable alternative to conventional X-ray tomography. We show that Eilenodon has enamel which is twice as thick as that of Sphenodon , but it is unevenly distributed.…”

“…We have shown that in at least some instances (see also [ 69 ]), neutron tomography may provide favourable contrast compared to X-ray tomography and, therefore, warrants greater use among palaeontologists than practiced to date (e.g. [ 72 , 103 ]).…”

“…Nevertheless, the differences we found seem related to differences in attenuation within a specific specimen, and not resolution (cf. [ 69 ]). Other fossil material from the Morrison Formation may respond in a similar way to the specimen examined here, but the Formation is extensive (approx.…”