Science

Shocking Discovery: Common Fossil Scanning Technique May Be Harming Irreplaceable Specimens!

2025-07-16

Author: Amelia

Fossils, the precious remnants of life from millions of years ago, are key to unraveling the mysteries of our planet's past. They offer a unique window into ancient environments, species' evolution, and even the dietary habits of our ancestors.

However, as scientists delve into the depths of these magnificent artifacts, a new study published in Radiocarbon reveals that a widely-used method—micro-computerized tomography (micro-CT)—is not as harmless as once thought. Is it possible that our quest for knowledge is inadvertently putting these fragile treasures at risk?

The Ins and Outs of Micro-CT