New scanning technology brings 3D images of live insects

Scientists in Canada have developed a new way of photographing insect parts inside. New scanning technology allows researchers to develop extremely detailed 3D images of insects while living.

So far, researchers have only been able to capture a snapshot of a dead insect, but the latest breakthrough allows for more detail without harming insects.

The new imaging method will allow scientists to study physiological changes and physiological processes in the insect's body when living. It is a major improvement in technical standards for insect images.

Joanna Konopka, a doctoral student at the University of Western Ontario, said: "We have taken snapshots, captured impressive moments, captured an animation of internal organ development. of insects ".

Scientists were able to faint insects for a short time by putting them in a low oxygen environment, rich in carbon dioxide. Insects can survive without oxygen lasting hours, or even days depending on species.

The animations are recorded by scientists up to seven hours with a variety of scanning technologies. In addition, scientists were able to produce a detailed image of two potato worm species in the Colorado region, which are two common agricultural pests.

Images created with new techniques reveal a magnification of as little as 20 microns.

"I'm really surprised," Konopka said. "I am familiar with images and drawings in books, and this new technology also gives us a whole new perspective on what's inside a living body."

The researchers describe this new scanning process in BioMed Central.