CT · microCT · synchrotron imaging
Scientific segmentation, 3D reconstruction and visualization for palaeontology, anatomy and natural history research.
CT and microCT datasets can contain an extraordinary amount of anatomical information — but extracting that information often requires specialized segmentation, reconstruction and visualization workflows.
I work with volumetric imaging data to reconstruct complex anatomical structures and turn them into scientifically useful digital models, publication-ready figures and scientific video.
Selected projects involving fossil and extant material, high-resolution volumetric imaging, and complex anatomical reconstruction.
PLOS ONE · 2024 · Published research
I performed a 3D reconstruction of the fossil Graulia based on synchrotron microCT data. I segmented and reconstructed the entire skeleton in exceptional detail, with additional work on the living Latimeria based on conventional CT data, producing scientific figures and videos. A few selected figures and videos are shown here.
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COMMUNICATIONS BIOLOGY · 2026 · Published research
I segmented and reconstructed fossil and extant coelacanth material in 3D at different developmental stages from high-resolution synchrotron imaging data, producing scientific figures and videos to investigate the anatomy and possible functions of the coelacanth lung. A few selected figures and videos are shown here.
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Project-based scientific 3D services, tailored to the specimen, dataset and research objective.
Extraction of anatomical structures from volumetric datasets, including complex fossil material and challenging internal anatomy.
Surface extraction, mesh generation, cleaning, optimization and anatomical assembly.
Publication-ready renders, anatomical figures, transparent and cutaway visualizations and comparative views.
3D turntables, virtual dissections, reconstruction sequences and explanatory animations for research and communication.
Repair, decimation, smoothing, separation and export of clean, research-ready polygonal models.
Dataset-specific workflows combining segmentation, mesh processing and visualization according to project requirements.
Segmented volumes · 3D meshes · STL / OBJ / PLY · Publication figures · Animations · Source files
You provide the dataset. I take care of the digital reconstruction and return the agreed scientific outputs.
We begin with an initial discussion of the project and research objectives. You then share your 3D dataset (CT, microCT, synchrotron, neutron, etc.) for processing.
I review imaging quality, segmentation complexity and the expected workflow before defining the project scope.
Segmentation, reconstruction, mesh processing and visualization are performed to the agreed specifications.
Intermediate results can be provided for scientific validation and feedback.
You receive the agreed digital models, figures, animations and source files.
Understanding the biological structures being reconstructed and the context in which they need to be presented.
Experience with CT, microCT and synchrotron datasets, including high-resolution fossil and extant material.
From voxel data to segmented structures, optimized meshes and assembled anatomical models.
Presenting complex anatomy clearly for research, publication and scientific communication.
DR LUIGI MANUELLI
I work at the intersection of palaeontology, anatomy and 3D imaging. My experience includes fossil and extant vertebrates and invertebrates, from fishes, reptiles and mammals to scorpions and wasps. I specialize in microCT imaging, anatomical segmentation, 3D reconstruction and scientific visualization.
Imperial College London, UK
University of Geneva, Switzerland
Uppsala University · Uppsala, Sweden
Lebanese University · Fanar, Lebanon
Senckenberg Natural History Collections · Dresden, Germany
Natural History Museum of Geneva · Geneva, Switzerland
Flinders University · Adelaide, Australia
Muséum national d’Histoire naturelle · Paris, France
ESRF · Grenoble, France
University of Nebraska Medical Center · Omaha, Nebraska, USA
King’s College London · London, UK
Natural History Museum · London, UK
If you have a CT or microCT dataset that requires segmentation, 3D reconstruction or scientific visualization, get in touch.
Tell me briefly about the specimen, imaging technique, approximate dataset size, structures to reconstruct and intended output.
luigi@luigimanuelli.com ↗