Contact: Chris Johnson
crj@sci.utah.edu
801-581-7705
University of Utah

Virtual Histology of Mouse Embryo

Caption: This three-dimensional computer image of a mouse embryo was created using data collected during a CT (computerized tomography) scan of the embryo. The CT scan uses X-rays to make a series of images of "slices" of the embryo. Those "slices" then were combined and interpreted by computer software to create the 3-D image showing not only the embryo's exterior but also its internal features. The new method should make it easier for geneticists to learn what various genes do. They can disable individual genes, then see the resulting defects in 3-D images of mutant mouse embryos. In this image, the mouse's head is at the top, its tail visible on the right bottom part of the image, and its rear legs are on either side of the tail.

Credit: Scientific Computing and Imaging Institute, University of Utah

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