The Diffusion Diaries: Diffusible Iodine-Based Contrast-Enhanced Computed Tomography for Vertebrate Natural History...

Area of Science:

• Comparative anatomy
• Medical imaging
• Vertebrate paleontology

Background:

• Diffusible iodine-based contrast-enhanced CT (diceCT) is crucial for 3D soft tissue visualization in preserved vertebrates.
• Existing diceCT protocols lack broad applicability across diverse vertebrate morphologies and taxa.
• Standardized methods are needed to maximize data utility from diceCT imaging.

Purpose of the Study:

• To establish and document the most taxonomically and morphologically comprehensive diceCT protocol to date.
• To provide a standardized workflow for preparing, staining, scanning, and processing vertebrate specimens for diceCT.
• To create a valuable resource of open-access diceCT datasets for the scientific community.

Main Methods:

• A broad range of vertebrate specimens were prepared, stained with iodine contrast, and scanned using diceCT.
• Staining times were optimized based on specimen size, taxon, presence of armor, and internal structures.
• A scoring system was developed to assess the quality and usefulness of diceCT soft tissue data.

Main Results:

• The study presents the largest and most diverse collection of diceCT-imaged vertebrates.
• Observations highlight factors influencing staining efficacy, including specimen characteristics.
• Examples of data quality issues (damage, understaining) are presented to guide future research.

Conclusions:

• The developed diceCT protocol is adaptable to a wide array of vertebrate specimens.
• The standardized methods and open-access datasets facilitate comparative anatomical research.
• This work serves as a foundational resource for exploring and studying vertebrate anatomy through advanced imaging techniques.