A practical workflow for making anatomical atlases for biological research

Area of Science:

• Anatomical sciences
• Bioimaging
• Scientific visualization

Background:

• High-quality anatomical atlases are crucial for biological research but are often scarce.
• Advances in imaging technology enable the creation of detailed 3D atlases.
• Existing workflows for generating atlases from biological samples are often impractical.

Purpose of the Study:

• To introduce a practical workflow for generating 3D anatomical atlases.
• To demonstrate the utility of computer graphics (CG) artists' tools in scientific research.
• To foster interdisciplinary collaboration between scientists and artists.

Main Methods:

• Adapted CG artists' workflows and tools, commonly used in the film industry.
• Developed a practical workflow for generating 3D atlases from biological sample images.
• Applied the workflow to create a 3D mouse limb atlas for developmental studies.

Main Results:

• Successfully generated a high-quality 3D anatomical atlas of the mouse limb.
• Demonstrated the feasibility of using accessible artist tools for atlas creation.
• Provided a repeatable workflow applicable to various biological samples.

Conclusions:

• Computer graphics artists' tools and workflows can be effectively adapted for scientific research.
• The developed workflow offers a practical solution for the scarcity of high-quality 3D anatomical atlases.
• Promoting interdisciplinary collaboration can enhance scientific visualization and research outcomes.