High resolution microCT (360G-Wellcome-202852_Z_16_Z)

This application requests funding for a micro-Computed Tomography (microCT) imaging system. The microCT allows for high resolution imaging of specimens using X-rays to create cross sections of an object, which can be recombined to create a 3D image without the requirement for actual slicing or sectioning. This enables tissue to be analysed quickly without damage, so that the same specimen can be utilised for further protocols (in situ hybridisation, immunohistochemistry, histology etc). The scanning technique importantly allows for specific areas to be highlighted and segmented in order to isolate tissues of interest virtually for analysis. The imaging allows for quantitative measurement of samples to be taken, such as volume measurements of specific tissue or hard tissue (bone/enamel/dentine) density. The microCT requested will be utilised almost exclusively by a small team of internationally renown researchers investigating craniofacial development and regeneration, using the equipment to image and measure both hard and soft tissue changes in mouse models of human disorders, in human embryonic tissue and in regenerating tissues. The key goal will be to allow fast and accurate imaging and quantification of important samples to stimulate our understanding of development and disorders, and enhance the move towards new regenerative therapies.