New Technology Allows Scientists to Examine Biological Details

Holliday says that "the one drawback to this technology is how long it can take to 'build' these computer models". "In our study, it took five people about a year to get this model to a point where it was functional, and we only included about 15 structures – muscles, arteries, nerves – in our model. The human hand has at least 35 structures, so we know that it would take a lot of time and effort to build an accurate, functional model of entire biological systems. Once they are completed though, the models can be a fantastic tool to use in the classroom."

Using the technology is simple as Holliday discovered at a recent display for school children. Children as young as 6 and 7 would approach the computer and, within minutes, discover how to manipulate the model and observe the different structures inside an alligator's skull. Holliday says that the technology can be applied to any scientific field where researchers study complex three dimensional structures, such as engineering or plant science.

Source-Eurekalert