Super Micro-CT Scanner Helps Scientists Peer Through Solids

Researchers have a new array of tools to push back the boundaries of science, engineering, veterinary medicine, and archaeology.

From soils and sediments, to archaeologic remains, and even candy, the Nanotom, the most advanced three-dimensional (3D) X-ray microcomputed tomography (CT) scanner in the world, will help scientists from a wide variety of departments across the University of Nottingham (UK) literally see through solids. The machine will make previously difficult and laborious research much easier as it allows researchers to probe inside objects without having to break into them.

The Nanotom has been supplied by GE Sensing and Inspection Technologies (Billerica, MA, USA) as part of a new project in the School of Biosciences to scan soil samples for research into soil-plant interactions. But it is also an interdisciplinary system that will be used by other schools for a wide variety of projects.

At least eight university departments will use the Nanotom. From scanning lichens in biology, to sustainable building materials in the built environment, windblown sediments in geography, and even animal muscle tissues in veterinary science, the machine will be a popular resource and at the moment, the only one of its kind at a British university. The Nanotom will also be hired out to private companies outside the University as a source of revenue that will help fund it.

CT is a very powerful tool that allows the visualization of the internal structure of an object that might be otherwise hidden from view. As well as its widespread use in healthcare, CT also has many applications in research and industry in the fields of nondestructive testing (NDT) and nondestructive evaluation (NDE) of solids. It is used to perform dimensional measurements, assembly checks, testing for the location and analysis of compositional defects. This new machine will produce high-resolution three-dimensional (3D) and slice images of solids with a pixel resolution of up to 0.5 μ (500 nm).

The Nanotom will be based at the School of Biosciences as the centerpiece of research into efforts to understand the microscopic interactions between plant root growth and soil structure. The first project to use it will examine the sensing ability of roots to grow in the best direction for the health of the plant through the soil. It aims to provide evidence of how the root reacts and adapts to soil stresses such as drought and compaction by adjusting the genetic information in the tips of the root as it grows. The Nanotom will allow researchers to follow the progress of the root growth and soil structural development for the first time without disturbing the sample of the plant growing in the soil.

The ultimate goal of research like this is to contribute to worldwide efforts for food security and sustainable food production by preserving and improving the vital but finite soil resources of the planet. It will enable scientists to come up with a formula for the best soil composition and level of compaction as well as informing plant-breeding programs. Accurate soil structure measurement will be also be essential in changing farming practices to cut CO2, which is released into the atmosphere during traditional plowing of agricultural soil.

Pro-vice-chancellor for research, Prof. Bob Webb, said, "As a leading research university internationally, we are proud to be investing in this cutting-edge technology. The new scanner will be a vital resource across many departments and commercial research partners outside the University. It will enable faster, more accurate research into many scientific areas and we have no doubt it will bring real results in crucial projects like global food production."

Related Links:
University of Nottingham
GE Sensing and Inspection Technologies