en
fr en
< Back to articles

Computed tomography at the Museum National d'Histoire Naturelle (MNHN)

by on 29 Jul 2025 at 14h14

AST-RX PLATFORM, COMPUTED TOMOGRAPHY AT THE HEART OF THE MNHN

Computed Tomography at MNHN | species CT scans

Cooperation between RXSolutions and the Muséum National d’Histoire Naturelle de Paris (MNHN). The Muséum National d'Histoire Naturelle de Paris, often referred to as the MNHN, founded in 1793, is one of France's oldest and most prestigious centers dedicated to scientific research, the conservation of collections and the dissemination of knowledge on biodiversity and the evolution of species. With nearly 68 million specimens, its 2,500 staff are working to decode the secrets of the Earth, from biodiversity to the evolution of species.

 
As part of its work, the MNHN relies on innovative technologies such as X-ray tomography to carry out projects that are revolutionising our understanding of the natural world. Thanks to a close collaboration with RX Solutions, the museum has access to high-precision industrial tomographs, including the EasyTom S 150, for non-destructive analysis of the internal structure of specimens.
 
This case study shows how 3D imaging, and more specifically computed tomography (CT) contributes to scientific research, the preservation of our natural heritage and the exploration of the origins of life and terrestrial ecosystems at the MNHN.
 

Missions of the MNHN

The MNHN in Paris carries out essential missions in the service of knowledge of nature and the preservation of the planet. It operates in five key areas : 
 
  • Scientific research: the MNHN is first and foremost a research centre. From biodiversity to evolution, anthropology and palaeontology, researchers are working on a wide range of subjects.

  • Enhancing, enriching, conserving and making available collections: the MNHN has one of the largest natural history collections in the world. These collections are constantly being enriched and help us to better understand life on Earth.

  • Education and training: thanks to its many areas of research, the institution can offer a wide range of training courses. From continuing education to doctorates.

  • Disseminating knowledge: the Museum's vocation is to pass on naturalist knowledge and raise public awareness, and a great deal of knowledge is shared with the general public to help us better understand the world around us.

  • Expertise: the Museum provides expertise for the French government, as well as for many national and international players, both in the public and private sectors..
Tomographie espèces animales

The MNHN's AST-RX platform: 3D digitisation for research and conservation

The MNHN's AST-RX platform (full name: Accès Scientifique à la Tomographie par Ray X - Scientific Access to X-ray Tomography) dedicated to X-ray tomography is certainly no laughing matter

Since 2011, the AST-RX platform at the Muséum National d'Histoire Naturelle de Paris (MNHN) has been dedicated to the 3D digitisation of natural heritage specimens, with a major focus on research and conservation, as well as education.
 

Located at the heart of the MNHN, it uses cutting-edge technologies, including RX Solutions' EasyTom S tomograph, known as ID-FIX. This industrial X-ray tomography technology enables researchers to explore non-destructively the internal structures of fragile and precious objects, specimens, models, etc. that are invisible to the naked eye, while preserving their integrity.

Tomographie conservation de l'espèce

Objectives of the AST-RX platform

The AST-RX platform at the Muséum National d'Histoire Naturelle is primarily dedicated to scientific research, for use by staff from the Muséum and other universities in France and abroad. X-ray computed tomography is used for :
 
  • Detailed anatomical studies: thanks to CT scans, researchers can carry out virtual dissections and analyze the internal structures of biological or fossil specimens in depth without altering them. They can search for characteristics and descriptions that would not be accessible from the outside
  • Comparative anatomy and 3D modelling: By accurately visualizing complex internal features, scientists can produce 3D models of specimens for precise comparison and in-depth analysis

This unique non-destructive approach makes the AST-RX platform and EasyTom S X-rays CT System une ressource indispensable pour la recherche, l’éducation, et la conservation au sein du MNHN.

Objectives and choice of EasyTom S CT System

Challenges of the AST-RX platform

 
To meet the needs of scientific, restoration and teaching projects, it was essential to integrate into the platform a machine capable of guaranteeing scan cycles and post-processing analyses that were as fast as they were efficient, with maximum automation, while guaranteeing optimum accuracy. With this in mind, MNHN invested in a second tomograph: the EasyTom S from RX Solutions.
Tomographe recherche scientifique

Choice of CT system: EasyTom S - RX Solutions

The EasyTom S computed tomography X-rays scanner, nicknamed ID-FIX at MNHN, has been chosen to equip the AST-RX platform, perfectly meeting the requirements of versatility, speed, resolution, automation and ease of use needed to work on both volume and precision. This RX Solutions system is perfectly suited to the needs of a facility hosting researchers, doctoral students and students alike, in a context of intensive scanning of naturalist specimens.
 

Performance and speed

This computed tomography system is equipped with a sample loader and 3D-printed sample holders, optimised by a software interface to enable a rapid, automated scan sequence, reducing the need for manual intervention. This configuration is particularly useful in the context of the MNHN, where specimens, although each unique, often have morphological similarities that allow scanning parameters to be automated. This process guarantees fast, accessible scanning and post-processing analysis cycles, while considerably increasing digitisation capacity.

Versatility and high resolution

EasyTom S is also extremely versatile. Not only can the CT Scanner can be used to observe fine, invisible structures in fragile and precious objects/specimens, it can also be used to scan larger objects. The resolution required can vary from 5µm to over 80µm depending on requirements. The rapid warm-up system and parameter-setting options also make it easy to use. The EasyTom S allows you to switch from one focus to another in just two clicks, a considerable advantage that avoids long calibration waits. The macro reload function lets you save and reapply the same settings, which is invaluable for batch scans.
 
Finally, ease of use was an important factor. Many researchers, students and PhD students use computed tomography, so having an X-ray machine that is easy to set up and use also saves time in terms of teaching.
 

Applications of computed tomography for the study of species

  • Gastropods: summer 2024 project - an innovative project in which the interest is not in observing the internal structure, but in performing morphometry on the surface of the shells, for a large number of specimens ranging in height from 3mm to 10cm. To do this, it was possible to non-destructively scan up to 100 gastropods per day using the sample loader.

  • Internal and external research: MNHN researchers regularly use the platform to carry out comparative anatomical analyses, particularly on mammal specimens, fossils or reference objects from historical collections. Researchers from other institutions can also access AST-RX for specific projects.
 
 
  • Conservation and restoration: In conjunction with partner institutions such as the Musée de l'Homme, computed tomography has been used to identify internal weaknesses invisible to the naked eye in prehistoric objects such as the Lespugue Venus. This valuable information enables restorers to target their interventions and guarantee the preservation of the most sensitive pieces.

  • Education and teaching: High-resolution scans are used to create 3D models that are used to teach comparative anatomy or to illustrate the diversity of life.

3D printed sample holder for CT scan

Gastropods X-rays CT scan at MNHN

CT Scan - 3D software rendering

3D printed sample holder for CT scan

Gastropods X-rays CT scan at MNHN

CT Scan - 3D software rendering

Computed tomography, an essential technology at the MNHN

The Muséum National d'Histoire Naturelle (MNHN) is pursuing a number of missions in support of the Earth and humanity, including the digitisation of its vast collections in the service of science and heritage conservation. The AST-RX platform is a perfect example of this commitment, enabling researchers to scan and analyse specimens in a non-invasive/destructive way, and then distribute these resources in digital form to the scientific community and the general public.
 
With the acquisition of a second computed tomography scanner, the EasyTom S from RX Solutions, nicknamed ID-FIX, the MNHN has significantly boosted its scanning capacity. Featuring adjustable resolutions, an automated sample loader and programmable macros, the EasyTom S has optimised workflows to meet high-speed, high-precision requirements. This technical solution, which is easy to use for researchers and students alike, also means that efforts can be focused on data analysis.
 
Thanks to the innovation provided by EasyTom S, MNHN has been able to:
 
  • increase the speed and quantity of scans
  • generate high-precision 3D models,
  • strengthen its commitment to open, accessible and reproducible science.
 
By equipping itself with this powerful computed tomography tool, the MNHN is demonstrating how X-ray technology can meet the current requirements of scientific research, teaching and the enhancement of collections, while reinforcing its mission of sharing knowledge for future generations.

< Previous article