Images of 300 million-year-old insects revealed

Stunning 3D images of 300 million-year-old insects have been revealed for the first time by University of Manchester researchers. Writing in the journal PLoS One , the scientists have used a high resolution form of CT scanning to reconstruct two 305-million year old juvenile insects. Without the pioneering approach to imaging, these tiny insects - which are three-dimensional holes in a rock - would have been impossible to study. By placing the fossils in a CT scanner, and taking over 3,000 X-rays from different angles, the scientists were able to create 2,000 slices showing the fossil in cross section. From these slices the researchers created 3D digital reconstructions of the fossils. This process allows them to learn more about the lifestyle, biology and diet of the insects, one of which is similar to a modern day cockroach, and glimpse fascinating insights about how both were adapted for survival. One of the insects reconstructed by the scientists is characterised by a large number of sharp spines.