Feast and Famine: MRI Reveals Secrets of Animal Anatomy
Scientists use CT and MRI to learn about animals’ internal organs
Diagnostic imaging technology can do more than improve pet care. According to a June 2010 Science Daily article, with the assistance of MRI and CT, scientists can study the internal organ processes of animals. In fact, “in the time it takes to do a traditional dissection, scientists can create a full 3D image of an animal’s anatomy in a completely non-invasive way.” By choosing the right settings for contrast and intensity, it is also possible to highlight specific organs in different colors, making this technology valuable as an educational tool. High-resolution MRI and CT images could replace traditional textbook sketches and the need for invasive dissections in scientific study or in veterinary schools, as has been done in some medical schools.
Furthermore, MRI and CT technology are helpful in advancing knowledge of more unusual species, including snakes, alligators and tarantulas. Highlighted in this article is a study of the complete (and previously mysterious) digestive cycle of the Burmese Python, known for its “feast and famine” lifestyle of ingesting large meals and fasting for several months afterward. To read more about this research, please click here.
