A researcher shows the fossil of a Placodermi. (Photo/Beijing Youth Daily)
(ECNS) -- Using 3D technology, a team lead by two Chinese ancient biology researchers has successfully printed a 3D model of a Placodermi's head, which will help further research on the ancient fish that lived in Australia approximately 400 million years ago.
Lu Jing, a researcher with the institute of Vertebrate Paleontology and Paleoanthropology who was in charge of the research, told Chinese media the joint China-Australia team spent the past year conducting detailed research on the Placodermi head fossil.
The size of a ping pong ball, with the thinnest point less than 0.1 mm, the fossil was discovered 30 years ago in Australia. However, few researchers had touched it because it was so fragile, Lu said.
Lu, together with Hu Yuzhi, a Chinese doctor, used micro-CT technology to scan the fossil in detail, and then virtually created several thousand cross sections of it, which Lu used to print a 3D model of the fish head.
"It took us more than three months to print the model," Lu said. The model was six times larger than the original fossil and was the first 3D model of an ancient fish in the world, according to Lu.
With the model, researchers could deconstruct and then put together the pieces to get first-hand information on the ancient fish. Some information might also help researchers uncover secrets about the human body.
Lu said she was planning to print 3D models of other Placodermi, and her research achievements had been shared with Chinese professionals. She said she hoped one day the models could be exhibited in museums, allowing every child the opportunity to touch them and learn about the ancient fish.
