Study Reveals Potential Risks of Micro-CT Scanning on Fossil Integrity

In a groundbreaking study published in the journal *Radiocarbon*, researchers have raised concerns regarding the potential damage caused to fossils by micro-computerised tomography (micro-CT) scanning, a method previously deemed non-destructive. Scientists Mathieu Duval, an Adjunct Senior Researcher at Griffith University and La Trobe University, and Laura Martín-Francés, a Postdoctoral Fellow at Monash University, have found that while micro-CT scanning allows for the creation of detailed 3D images of fossils, it may also lead to a significant loss of collagen in these specimens, crucial for various analytical techniques.

Fossils, which serve as vital records of past life on Earth, are often studied to understand evolutionary processes and past environmental conditions. Micro-CT scanning has been used extensively in palaeontology for its ability to produce high-resolution images without physically altering the specimen. However, the findings of Duval and Martín-Francés suggest that this widely accepted technique could inadvertently erase essential data.

Their research involved scanning both modern and fossil bones, measuring collagen content before and after the scanning process. The results were alarming; there was an observed decrease of approximately 35% in collagen content in the scanned fossils compared to their unscanned counterparts. This decline in collagen could severely limit the applicability of various dating techniques, including radiocarbon dating, which relies on the presence of collagen for accurate results.

Dr. Sarah Johnson, a Professor of Archaeology at the University of Cambridge, commented on the implications of these findings: “The integrity of fossil specimens is paramount for ongoing research into our species' past. If micro-CT scanning leads to irreversible damage, we must critically reassess how we utilize this technology in our studies.”

The study further emphasizes the need for caution in the application of micro-CT scanning, suggesting that while it is an invaluable tool, its usage should be limited to preserve the integrity of fossil specimens. Duval and Martín-Francés advocate for the establishment of guidelines to minimize exposure to X-rays, alongside promoting the sharing of data to reduce the necessity for multiple scans of the same fossil.

Historically, micro-CT technology has been lauded for its contributions to the field, including revealing the earliest signs of bone cancer in ancient remains and studying the anatomy of early hominins. However, this new evidence calls for a reevaluation of its classification as a non-destructive method.

As the scientific community continues to explore the depths of palaeontological research, the findings from this study highlight the delicate balance between technological advancement and the preservation of invaluable historical artifacts. The implications of this research may lead to a paradigm shift in how palaeontologists approach fossil studies, ensuring that the past remains intact for future generations to learn from.

In conclusion, while micro-CT scanning has significantly advanced our understanding of ancient life, the potential risks associated with its use necessitate a reexamination of protocols to safeguard the integrity of fossils. Future investigations may reveal further insights into the effects of such technology, as researchers strive to reconcile technological progress with the preservation of our planet's historical treasures.