About - SummaryMorphologyNet is a NSF-funded, web-based digital library of three-dimensional (3D) interactive and customizable reconstructions of animal anatomy. The objective of MorphologyNet is to serve as a clearinghouse for 3D visualizations of animal anatomy by providing a depository for researchers generating those images and an easy-to-use interface to access them. MorphologyNet was created in response to the growing need of the scientific community to share 3D anatomical reconstructions through the web, which are being used for both research and education. By creating realistic 3D reconstructions of anatomy, scientists are better able to examine small and internal structures, study modifications to structures through development, describe diversity in anatomical structures in various groups, and share their findings with colleagues, students, and the community at large. The images in MorphologyNet may be reconstructed from histological serial sections, x-ray CT scans, MRI, or other data sources. The reconstructions can illustrate all tissues and structures (including soft tissues) as separate objects, and thus they can be manipulated just as real biological objects, including "dissection" and rotation in all planes. Users can customize the color and transparency of layers in the images to make them easier to study. Additional functionality, including linear and volumetric analysis tools, are currently under development and will be added to future versions of the MorphNet Viewer. |
