Entomologists use a particle accelerator to image ants at scale
spectrum.ieee.org
March 6, 2026
8 min read
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54/100
Summary
Antscan is a new 3D atlas that provides detailed micrometer-resolution reconstructions of ant anatomy. The platform was developed by a multidisciplinary team including entomologists, physicists, computer scientists, and imaging specialists.
Key Takeaways
- Antscan is a new 3D atlas that provides micrometer-resolution reconstructions of ant anatomy, including exoskeletons, muscles, and digestive tracts, for 792 species across 212 genera.
- The high-resolution images from Antscan are available through an interactive online portal, allowing users to virtually explore and dissect the insects.
- Antscan enhances access to natural history collections, enabling broader public engagement and potential applications in various fields, including science, art, and education.
- The imaging technology used in Antscan involved an automated pipeline that utilized a particle accelerator to scan approximately 2,200 preserved ant specimens.