3D imaging of the human temporal bone by X-ray phase-contrast tomography

Abstract Studying the subtle and intricate three-dimensional structure of the human cochlea embedded in the temporal bone requires structure-preserving imaging approaches with adaptable field of view and resolution. Synchrotron X-ray phase-contrast tomography at the novel beamline BM18 (EBS, ESRF) o...

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Main Authors: Jannis J. Schaeper, Paul Tafforeau, Christoph A. Kampshoff, Carolina Thomas, Alexander Meyer, Christine Stadelmann, M. Charles Liberman, Tobias Moser, Tim Salditt
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Nature Portfolio 2025-05-01
Series:npj Imaging
Online Access:https://doi.org/10.1038/s44303-025-00086-y
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author Jannis J. Schaeper
Paul Tafforeau
Christoph A. Kampshoff
Carolina Thomas
Alexander Meyer
Christine Stadelmann
M. Charles Liberman
Tobias Moser
Tim Salditt
author_facet Jannis J. Schaeper
Paul Tafforeau
Christoph A. Kampshoff
Carolina Thomas
Alexander Meyer
Christine Stadelmann
M. Charles Liberman
Tobias Moser
Tim Salditt
author_sort Jannis J. Schaeper
collection DOAJ
description Abstract Studying the subtle and intricate three-dimensional structure of the human cochlea embedded in the temporal bone requires structure-preserving imaging approaches with adaptable field of view and resolution. Synchrotron X-ray phase-contrast tomography at the novel beamline BM18 (EBS, ESRF) offers the unique capability to achieve histological resolution at the scale of the entire organ, based on high lateral coherence, long propagation distances, and optimized spectral range. At the same time advances in laboratory μ-CT instrumentation and protocols also open up new opportunities for 3D micro-anatomy and histopathology, including 3D reconstruction of nerve tissue when suitable staining protocols are used. Here we report on post mortem 3D imaging of human temporal bones and excised human cochleae, both unstained and stained to visualize the auditory nerve. Further, we highlight the use of this imaging modality for development of novel cochlear implant technology.
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series npj Imaging
spelling doaj-art-ec005e6acf0246b19ff5130fd8c0d9832025-08-20T03:08:43ZengNature Portfolionpj Imaging2948-197X2025-05-013111110.1038/s44303-025-00086-y3D imaging of the human temporal bone by X-ray phase-contrast tomographyJannis J. Schaeper0Paul Tafforeau1Christoph A. Kampshoff2Carolina Thomas3Alexander Meyer4Christine Stadelmann5M. Charles Liberman6Tobias Moser7Tim Salditt8Institute for X-ray Physics, University of GöttingenBeamline BM18, European Synchrotron Radiation FacilityInstitute for Auditory Neuroscience, University Medical Center GöttingenCluster of Excellence “Multiscale Bioimaging: From Molecular Machines to Networks of Excitable Cells”, University of GöttingenDepartment of Otolaryngology, University Medical Center GöttingenCluster of Excellence “Multiscale Bioimaging: From Molecular Machines to Networks of Excitable Cells”, University of GöttingenEaton-Peabody Laboratories, Massachusetts Eye and Ear InfirmaryCluster of Excellence “Multiscale Bioimaging: From Molecular Machines to Networks of Excitable Cells”, University of GöttingenInstitute for X-ray Physics, University of GöttingenAbstract Studying the subtle and intricate three-dimensional structure of the human cochlea embedded in the temporal bone requires structure-preserving imaging approaches with adaptable field of view and resolution. Synchrotron X-ray phase-contrast tomography at the novel beamline BM18 (EBS, ESRF) offers the unique capability to achieve histological resolution at the scale of the entire organ, based on high lateral coherence, long propagation distances, and optimized spectral range. At the same time advances in laboratory μ-CT instrumentation and protocols also open up new opportunities for 3D micro-anatomy and histopathology, including 3D reconstruction of nerve tissue when suitable staining protocols are used. Here we report on post mortem 3D imaging of human temporal bones and excised human cochleae, both unstained and stained to visualize the auditory nerve. Further, we highlight the use of this imaging modality for development of novel cochlear implant technology.https://doi.org/10.1038/s44303-025-00086-y
spellingShingle Jannis J. Schaeper
Paul Tafforeau
Christoph A. Kampshoff
Carolina Thomas
Alexander Meyer
Christine Stadelmann
M. Charles Liberman
Tobias Moser
Tim Salditt
3D imaging of the human temporal bone by X-ray phase-contrast tomography
npj Imaging
title 3D imaging of the human temporal bone by X-ray phase-contrast tomography
title_full 3D imaging of the human temporal bone by X-ray phase-contrast tomography
title_fullStr 3D imaging of the human temporal bone by X-ray phase-contrast tomography
title_full_unstemmed 3D imaging of the human temporal bone by X-ray phase-contrast tomography
title_short 3D imaging of the human temporal bone by X-ray phase-contrast tomography
title_sort 3d imaging of the human temporal bone by x ray phase contrast tomography
url https://doi.org/10.1038/s44303-025-00086-y
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