Non-destructive morphological observations of the fleshy brittle star, Asteronyx loveni using micro-computed tomography (Echinodermata, Ophiuroidea, Euryalida)

Abstract

The first morphological observation of a euryalid brittle star, Asteronyx loveni, using non-destructive X-ray micro-computed tomography (µCT) was performed. The body of euryalids is covered by thick skin, and it is very difficult to observe the ossicles without dissolving the skin. Computed tomography with micrometer resolution (approximately 4.5–15.4 µm) was used to construct 3D images of skeletal ossicles and soft tissues in the ophiuroid’s body. Shape and positional arrangement of taxonomically important ossicles were clearly observed without any damage to the body. Detailed pathways inside the vertebral ossicles, lateral arm plates, and arm spines for passage of nerves and water vascular structures were observed. Inter-vertebral muscles were also observed. Forms and 3D arrangements of many important taxonomical characters of the euryalids were scrutinized by µCT in high enough resolution for taxonomic description of ophiuroids.

Morphology, shape variation and movement of skeletal elements in starfish (Asterias rubens)

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3D Visualization of Calcified and Non-calcified Molluscan Tissues Using Computed Tomography

“…Scanning calcium carbonate shells is relatively easily performed and should be applied widely to other biominerals of invertebrates such as corals, barnacles, and (Okanishi et al 2017). The most comprehensive method for understanding shell morphology is achieved by the combination of micro-CT and scanning electron microscopy (SEM).…”

Science created by crowds: a case study of science crowdfunding in Japan

“…However, professional researchers, especially in natural science fields, are evaluated mainly by the number and quality of their peer-reviewed published papers. Thus, they are likely to publicize their results not only in the platforms' journals but also in peer-reviewed papers reviewed by the Journal Community [e.g., Experiment.com; Jaffe et al, 2015;Swift and Marzluff, 2015;academist;Enoto et al, 2017;Okanishi et al, 2017].…”