Diffusible iodine‐based contrast‐enhanced computed tomography (diceCT): an emerging tool for rapid, high‐resolution, 3‐D imaging of metazoan soft tissues

摘要: Morphologists have historically had to rely on destructive procedures visualize the three-dimensional (3-D) anatomy of animals. More recently, however, non-destructive techniques come forefront. These include X-ray computed tomography (CT), which has been used most commonly examine mineralized, hard-tissue living and fossil metazoans. One relatively new potentially transformative aspect current CT-based research is use chemical agents render visible, differentiate between, soft-tissue structures in images. Specifically, iodine emerged as one widely these contrast among animal morphologists due its ease handling, cost effectiveness, differential affinities for major types soft tissues. The rapid adoption iodine-based resulted a proliferation distinct specimen preparations scanning parameter choices, well an increasing variety imaging hardware software preferences. Here we provide critical review recent contributions iodine-based, contrast-enhanced CT enable researchers just beginning employ enhancement make sense this complex landscape methodologies. We detailed summary case studies, assess factors that govern success at each step storage, preparation, processes, recommendations standardizing both reporting practices. Finally, discuss potential cutting-edge applications diffusible (diceCT) issues must still be overcome facilitate broader diceCT going forward.