
The three mummified animals. Source: Richard Johnston/Swansea University
Postmortem of Mummified Animals Using 3D Scans
The 3D technology, paving its way in archeology and doing wonders, is just the tip of an iceberg.
Researchers recently expanded the scope of high imaging techniques, using it to give a new dimension to archeology by unwrapping the mummified animals buried more than 2,000 years ago. It seems no less than a miracle that we have stepped into such an era of modernization where we can use radiation technology to get an insight into the history of their burial and revile the unprecedented details about human-animal relationships.
Scientists from the University of Leicester and University of Swansea used high-resolution 3D scans to dissect the mummified animals, including a snake, a bird, and a kitten- from the asset held by the Egypt Centre at Swansea University. Previous research on these mummified artifacts using medical CT scans failed to unravel more peculiar details about what these mummies encapsulate besides their identification.
But thanks to the 3D X-ray micro CT scanning, we pretty much get the knack of all the details from how they lived and died right down to the smallest teeth and bones without damaging the delicate artifacts, with a resolution 100 times greater than a medical CT scan.

Richard Thomas, Professor of Archaeology at the University of Leicester, said:
“Advances in imaging technology are, for the first time, revealing new insights into the lives of these animals and mummification practices without disturbing the wrappings. In our study, we have been able to visualize bones and teeth, materials, and even desiccated soft tissue in new levels of detail. The scans have made it possible to 3D print and handle the skeletal remains and take a virtual walk-through the mummies, revealing the impact of the industrial scale of mummification on the animals themselves.”
The ancient Egyptians used to mummify humans and animals, including cats, ibis, hawks, snakes, crocodiles, and dogs. At times they were buried alongside their deceased owners believing it to be a food supply for the afterlife; however, the common practice was to bring them to temples as a sacred offering to GOD, as a means of communication. According to the investigations carried out in recent times, it has been estimated that there may be up to 70 million animal mummies in ancient Egypt buried in underground catacombs.

Using 3D X-ray micro CT scanning, researchers piece together the shreds of evidence to find out interesting facts regarding mummified animals. The team found out that:
- The mummified feline was a kitten, fewer than five months of age, based on discovering an un-erupted tooth within its jawbone. They also found gaps between the neck bones while separating the vertebrae, suggesting that the kitten was possibly strangled.
- Virtual measurements of the bone suggested the bird most closely resembled a Eurasian kestrel.
- Examination of a mummified snake- juvenile Egyptian Cobra- provided evidence of kidney damage developing a form of gout, showed that it may have been deprived of water during its life. It was also suggested that it may have died of spine damage due to a whipping action based on the signs of the bone fracture collected; it also gave leads to the prior opening of the mouth’ procedure during mummification. These findings gave the first evidence of the ritualistic behavior practiced at that time.
This technology, paving its way in archeology and doing wonders, is just the tip of an iceberg since we have not fully explored the potential of this technology yet. But the researchers are staunch believers that it still has many untapped applications and will lead us to a world of endless possibilities in the future. As Prof Johnston said;
“X-ray dose from micro CT is typically too high for human use, and the scan times much longer,” he said. “But it has limitless potential for materials in science, engineering, biology, even biomimicry.” We scan structures from nature that have evolved over millions of years to be efficient or strong, like bamboo, and then reproduce the micro-scale shape for engineering design through 3D printing.”
Also, Read: Archeology – exploring the past with modern technology

Sabeeka Zafar is a Bioinformatician-to-be with a passion to be a significant part of the great revolution in the near future in the field of Bioinformatics specifically and that of Science generally. Sabeeka is a social activist, enjoys working with people for the betterment of the society and loves to read and to write.
It’s really a great and useful piece of information. I am glad that you simply shared this useful info
with us. Please keep us informed like this. Thanks for sharing.
You have made some good points there. I looked on the internet for
additional information about the issue and found most people
will go along with your views on this web site.
I got this website from my buddy who shared with me regarding this web
site and at the moment this time I am browsing this web page and reading very informative posts at this place.
Hmm is anyone else having problems with the images on this blog loading?
I’m trying to figure out if its a problem on my end or
if it’s the blog. Any responses would be greatly appreciated.
It is perfect time to make a few plans for the longer term and it’s time to be happy.
I’ve read this publish and if I may I want to suggest you few
fascinating things or tips. Maybe you could write next
articles regarding this article. I want to learn even more issues about it!
Excellent post. Keep posting such kind of information on your blog.
Im really impressed by your site.
Hey there, You’ve performed a fantastic job. I will certainly digg it and in my opinion recommend to my friends.
I am sure they will be benefited from this web site.
Thanks for some other informative website. Where else
may just I am getting that kind of information written in such a perfect approach?
I’ve a project that I am simply now working on, and I have been at the
glance out for such info.
Hey there! I simply want to give you a huge thumbs up for your great info you have got right
here on this post. I will be coming back to your web site
for more soon.
If you are going for most excellent contents like I do,
just pay a quick visit this web page every day since it provides quality contents, thanks
[url=http://cheapdrugs.store/#]ed pills for sale[/url]
over the counter ed medication shots for ed ed pharmacy
buy prednisone 5mg canada steroids prednisone for sale prednisone cream
homeopathic remedies for ed ed medicine online natural cures for ed
fast delivery cialis super active cialis usa cialis canadian pharmacy ezzz
scabies ivermectin ivermectin strongyloides ivermectin 1 cream
866283 592632I just added this webpage to my feed reader, great stuff. Cannot get enough! 297022
ed vacuum pumps how to overcome ed naturally canadian online drugstore
where can i buy prednisone without a prescription prednisone for sale prednisone 40 mg tablet
ed remedies best ed pills herbal ed treatment
Hmm it appears like your blog ate my first comment (it was extremely
long) so I guess I’ll just sum it up what I wrote and say,
I’m thoroughly enjoying your blog. I too am an aspiring blog
blogger but I’m still new to everything. Do you have any recommendations for newbie blog writers?
I’d really appreciate it.
herbal ed treatment impotence pills pills for ed
ed pills otc best otc ed pills ed pills
propecia cheapest no prescription propecia 1mg tablets propecia sale
legal to buy prescription drugs without prescription buy anti biotics without prescription п»їed drugs online from canada
cost of ivermectin for humans is ivermectin safe for cats ivermectin pills for humans
is noromectin the same as ivermectin ivermectin pediatric dosing where can i buy stromectol ivermectin
buying from canadian online pharmacies order prescriptions online without doctor pharmacy without dr prescriptions
Normally I do not learn post on blogs, but I wish to say that this write-up very pressured me to
take a look at and do so! Your writing style has been surprised me.
Thank you, quite nice post.