Stories with Tag Vertebrates

• OpenVertebrate Presents a Database of 13,000 3D Scans of Specimens

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  Posted: 2025-04-05 02:15:35

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  OpenVertebrate has launched a free, accessible database containing over 13,000 3D scans of vertebrate specimens, including skeletons and soft tissue. Sourced from museums and research institutions worldwide, these scans allow researchers, educators, and the public to explore vertebrate anatomy and evolution in detail. The project aims to democratize access to these resources, enabling new discoveries and educational opportunities without requiring physical access to the specimens themselves. Users can download, 3D print, or view the models online using a dedicated viewer.

  The digital landscape of vertebrate morphology has undergone a significant expansion with the unveiling of OpenVertebrate, a monumental online repository containing over 13,000 meticulously crafted 3D scans of vertebrate specimens. This freely accessible database, highlighted in a recent Open Culture article, represents a monumental leap forward for researchers, educators, and anyone with an interest in the intricate world of vertebrate anatomy. Sourced from prestigious institutions like the University of Michigan Museum of Zoology, the University of Washington Burke Museum, and Harvard University’s Museum of Comparative Zoology, the collection boasts an impressive breadth, encompassing skeletal structures, preserved specimens, and even individual bones representing a wide spectrum of vertebrate classes, from fish and amphibians to reptiles, birds, and mammals.

  OpenVertebrate leverages cutting-edge photogrammetry techniques, a process involving the synthesis of multiple photographs taken from various angles to construct detailed three-dimensional models. This methodology allows for the creation of remarkably accurate and interactive digital representations of the physical specimens, offering a level of access previously unattainable. Users can explore these intricate models online, rotating and zooming to examine specific features with unprecedented clarity. The project is particularly noteworthy for its emphasis on accessibility and open access principles. The scans themselves, along with the metadata describing each specimen, are freely available for download under a Creative Commons Attribution license, fostering a collaborative environment where researchers can readily share and utilize this valuable data in their own studies.

  The implications of OpenVertebrate are far-reaching. For researchers, this readily accessible collection facilitates comparative anatomical studies, enabling in-depth analysis of evolutionary relationships and morphological variations across different vertebrate groups. Educators can utilize the 3D models as engaging teaching tools, bringing the intricacies of vertebrate anatomy to life in the classroom and enriching the learning experience for students. Moreover, the open access nature of the database democratizes access to these invaluable scientific resources, placing them within reach of a global audience, including those who may not have traditional access to museum collections. OpenVertebrate stands as a testament to the potential of digital technologies to revolutionize scientific research and education, paving the way for a deeper understanding and appreciation of the remarkable diversity of vertebrate life on Earth.

  • 3D Scanning
  • 3D Models
  • Vertebrates
  • Open Data
  • Database
  • Zoology
  • Biology
  • Paleontology
  • anatomy
  • scientific research
  • open access
  • Digital Collections
  • OpenVertebrate
  • Specimens

  Summary of Comments ( 12 )
  https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=43589989

  Verbose tl;dr

  HN commenters generally expressed enthusiasm for the OpenVertebrate project, viewing it as a valuable resource for research, education, and art. Some highlighted the potential for 3D printing and its implications for paleontology and museum studies, allowing access to specimens without handling fragile originals. Others discussed the technical aspects, inquiring about file formats and the scanning process. A few expressed concerns about the long-term sustainability of such projects and the need for consistent funding and metadata standards. Several pointed out the utility for comparative anatomy and evolutionary biology studies. Finally, some users shared links to related projects and resources involving 3D scanning of biological specimens.

  The Hacker News post titled "OpenVertebrate Presents a Database of 13,000 3D Scans of Specimens" has generated several comments discussing the significance and potential applications of the database.

  Several commenters express enthusiasm for the resource. One highlights the potential for 3D printing, envisioning the possibility of printing and assembling a complete skeleton, while acknowledging potential licensing issues. Another user points out the educational value, particularly for those in remote areas or without access to physical specimens. The ability to manipulate and examine the models in 3D is seen as a significant advantage over traditional 2D images.

  Some comments focus on the technical aspects. One user questions the accessibility of the data for those with limited internet access, given the large file sizes. Another inquires about the scanning methodology and file formats used. A commenter with experience in the field points out that the quality of 3D scans can vary significantly and suggests that the database would benefit from including metadata about scan quality. This same commenter expresses excitement about the potential to use the database for geometric morphometrics, a powerful technique for analyzing shape variation.

  There's a discussion about potential applications beyond education and research. One commenter suggests uses in art and design, while another envisions applications in paleontology and comparative anatomy. The possibility of using the models for virtual and augmented reality experiences is also mentioned.

  Finally, a few comments raise important considerations about the ethical implications of digitizing natural history collections, including issues of cultural heritage and repatriation. One commenter raises the point that many of these specimens were likely collected during periods of colonialism and emphasizes the importance of acknowledging the historical context.

  Overall, the comments reflect a positive reception to the OpenVertebrate database, with commenters recognizing its potential to revolutionize fields like education, research, and even art and design. However, the discussion also highlights crucial considerations regarding data accessibility, quality, and the ethical implications of digitizing natural history collections.

• The Greenland Shark, the Longest-Living Vertebrate on Earth (2017)

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  Posted: 2025-01-18 08:56:11

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  Greenland sharks, inhabiting the frigid Arctic waters, are the longest-lived vertebrates known to science, potentially reaching lifespans of over 400 years. Radiocarbon dating of their eye lenses revealed this astonishing longevity. Their slow growth rate, late sexual maturity (around 150 years old), and the cold, deep-sea environment contribute to their extended lives. While their diet remains somewhat mysterious, they are known scavengers and opportunistic hunters, consuming fish, seals, and even polar bears. Their flesh contains a neurotoxin that causes "shark drunk" when consumed, historically making it useful for sled dog food after a detoxification process. The Greenland shark's exceptional longevity provides a unique window into past centuries and offers scientists opportunities to study aging and long-term environmental changes.

  In a 2017 New Yorker article titled "The Greenland Shark, the Longest-Living Vertebrate on Earth," Julius Nielsen's groundbreaking research on the longevity of the Greenland shark is explored in meticulous detail. The article commences by painting a vivid picture of this enigmatic creature: a slow-moving, deep-sea dweller with a disconcerting parasite attached to its eye, often rendering it partially blind. This parasite, a copepod, is described as bioluminescent, potentially serving as a lure for prey in the dark abyss. The Greenland shark's sluggish nature and peculiar diet, which includes scavenging carcasses of larger animals like polar bears, are highlighted as elements contributing to its remarkably long lifespan.

  Nielsen's study, conducted using radiocarbon dating of eye lens proteins, revealed astonishing results: these sharks can live for several centuries, with the oldest individual studied estimated to be around 392 years old, plus or minus 120 years. This discovery catapulted the Greenland shark to the forefront of longevity research, designating it as the longest-lived vertebrate known to science. The article elaborates on the meticulous methodology employed by Nielsen and his team, emphasizing the challenges involved in accurately dating these deep-sea creatures. The technique of using eye lens nuclei, formed during embryonic development and remaining metabolically inert throughout the shark's life, proved crucial to the study's success. The radiocarbon dating method, reliant on analyzing the levels of carbon-14 isotopes incorporated from nuclear-weapons testing in the mid-20th century, is explained in depth, providing a scientific underpinning for the age estimations.

  Beyond simply establishing the Greenland shark's extraordinary lifespan, the article delves into the implications of such longevity for understanding aging processes and potentially unlocking secrets to extending human lifespans. It discusses the various theories surrounding the shark's remarkable longevity, including its slow metabolism, cold environment, and unique cellular mechanisms. The article also touches on the ecological significance of the Greenland shark in its Arctic ecosystem, underscoring its role as both a scavenger and an apex predator. Furthermore, the narrative underscores the importance of conservation efforts, as the Greenland shark's slow growth rate and late sexual maturity make it particularly vulnerable to overfishing and other environmental threats. The piece concludes by emphasizing the Greenland shark’s enduring mystique and the continuing scientific quest to unlock the secrets of its remarkable longevity, emphasizing the potential for valuable insights into the fundamental processes of aging and survival.

  • Greenland Shark
  • Vertebrates
  • Longevity
  • Marine Biology
  • Arctic
  • Oceanography
  • animals
  • wildlife
  • Science
  • Biology
  • Age Determination
  • Fish
  • Sharks
  • Deep Sea
  • nature

  Summary of Comments ( 35 )
  https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=42746889

  Verbose tl;dr

  HN commenters discuss the Greenland shark's incredibly long lifespan, with several expressing fascination and awe. Some question the accuracy of the age determination methods, particularly radiocarbon dating, while others delve into the implications of such a long life for understanding aging and evolution. A few commenters mention other long-lived organisms, like certain trees and clams, for comparison. The potential impacts of climate change on these slow-growing, long-lived creatures are also raised as a concern. Several users share additional information about the shark's biology and behavior, including its slow movement, unusual diet, and symbiotic relationship with bioluminescent copepods. Finally, some commenters note the article's vivid descriptions and engaging storytelling.

  The Hacker News post linking to the 2017 New Yorker article, "The Strange and Gruesome Story of the Greenland Shark, the Longest-Living Vertebrate on Earth," has generated a moderate number of comments, many of which delve into intriguing scientific details related to the shark and the challenges of determining its age.

  Several commenters discuss the radiocarbon dating methods used in the study, specifically focusing on the impact of nuclear testing on carbon-14 levels in the ocean. This discussion highlights the complexities of accurately dating marine organisms, particularly those living for extended periods, as the "bomb pulse" of carbon-14 from the mid-20th century can skew the results. One commenter explains how scientists had to find a baseline pre-bomb pulse carbon-14 level in the sharks' eye lenses to establish a reliable starting point for calculating age.

  Another interesting thread explores the concept of negligible senescence, a characteristic of certain organisms that show no signs of biological aging. Commenters discuss the implications of this phenomenon in Greenland sharks and other species, pondering the potential link between slow metabolism and extended lifespan. One user points out the contrast with other long-lived animals like giant tortoises, which do exhibit signs of aging.

  A few comments touch on the dietary habits of Greenland sharks, including their scavenging of polar bear carcasses and the potential impact of changing Arctic ecosystems on their food sources. One commenter even humorously suggests the possibility of Greenland sharks consuming Viking remains, given their long lifespan and the historical presence of Vikings in the region.

  Some users express fascination with the extreme lifespan of these creatures and the mysteries that still surround them. Others share additional related information, such as the discovery of a five-hundred-year-old clam and the challenges of studying deep-sea organisms.

  Overall, the comments offer a range of perspectives on the Greenland shark, from scientific discussions of dating methodologies and biological processes to more speculative musings on their life history and interactions with the environment. The discussion reflects a general appreciation for the remarkable nature of these animals and the ongoing scientific efforts to understand their extraordinary longevity.