Slashdot Mirror

← Back to Stories (view on slashdot.org)

Using X-ray Radiography To Reveal Ancient Insects

Posted by kdawson on from the bug-me-not dept.

1shooter writes "Researchers in France are using a synchrotron as a giant X-ray machine to peer into the insides of opaque amber to reveal insects dating from the age of dinosaurs. 'The European Synchrotron Radiation Facility in Grenoble, France, produces an intense, high-energy light that can pierce just about any material, revealing its inner structure... From more than 600 blocks, they have identified nearly 360 fossil animals: wasps, flies, ants, spiders.' The process reveals detailed 3D images that can be used to make near-perfect enlarged scale models of the bugs using a 'plastic printer.'"

4 of 67 comments (clear)

  1. How many furlongs is that? by Skevin · · Score: 5, Funny

    > From more than 600 blocks, they have identified nearly 360 fossil animals: wasps,
    > flies, ants, spiders

    Why so far away? They might get better resolution if they held the sample right up next to the machine.

    Solomon Chang

    --
    "Twice half-assed makes an ass whole." --Solomon K. Chang
    1. Re:How many furlongs is that? by RealGrouchy · · Score: 4, Funny

      *looks up from the amber specimen*

      "That's not a bug, it's a feature!"

      - RG>

      --
      Hey pal, this isn't a pleasantforest, so don't waste my time with pleasantries!
  2. Yes, but... by Naughty+Bob · · Score: 5, Funny

    Researchers in France are using a synchrotron as a giant X-ray machine......Do they run Linacs?

    --
    "Be light, stinging, insolent and melancholy"
  3. New application by Roger+W+Moore · · Score: 4, Funny

    I wonder if this technique will work with Fortran code we still use in our Monte-carlo generators for the LHC. I'm sure it also contains ancient bugs....