Overview

• The openVertebrate (oVert) project, a five-year initiative among 18 institutions, has completed the CT scanning of over 13,000 vertebrate specimens, making 3D models freely available online.
• CT scans reveal detailed internal anatomy, including bone structures and soft tissues, without the need for dissection.
• The project aims to increase accessibility to museum collections for scientists, educators, and the public, reducing the need for physical specimen handling.
• Discoveries from the scans include unique anatomical features and insights into animal evolution, such as the presence of osteoderms in spiny mice and the evolutionary history of frog teeth.
• oVert's digital models are used for scientific research, education, and even art, showcasing the project's broad impact beyond traditional museum exhibits.