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Stereolithographic (SL) Models as a Tool in Palaeoanthropology An article by Horst Seidler et al of the Institute for Anthropology, University of Vienna. Anthropologists often need a physical 3D-object to fully comprehend the spatial relationships of structures. In contrast to the original which is only available for a very limited time, and standard casts, stereolithographic models can illustrate the position and extent of hidden structures due to their transparency and because it's possible to produce models in two or more parts.
Virtual Anthropology / Face Off A "Science and the Citizen" article by Kate Wong that appeared in Scientific American, July 1998. Three-dimensional imaging stands in for fossils and other rare items. The article predicts wide-spread adoption as prices drop.
Relief for Weary Bones A 1999 article by Harry Hutchinson, from the Graduating Engineer web site describing the use of stereolithography to reproduce a dinosaur skeleton in the Smithsonian.
PRISM - Partnership for Research In Stereo Modeling A wide-ranging Spring, 1999 article appearing in ASU (Arizona State University) Research. In addition to fine art and engineering applications, the article descibes the work of Charles Redman, archaeologist and professor of anthropology. He uses RP and other digital technologies to preserve artifacts that soon will be lost to archaeologists because they must returned to tribal descendants.
A One-of-a-Kind Tooth Exhibit Argonne National Laboratories unique, vertically integrated capabilities from CT X-ray imaging through rapid prototyping enabled building a highly detailed model of a chimp's tooth at ten times scale with all internal and external features intact. The size of the object allows visitors to the Northern Illinois Anthropology Museum to understand the changes in primate teeth that have occurred over time in response to environmental pressures and the habits of their owners.
University of Zurich / Computer-assisted paleoanthropology (CAP) This beautiful and informative site describes fossil reconstruction and morphometry. Christoph Zollikofer and Marcia Ponce de León and their group have worked on many facets of the problem of visualizing the people and organisms that became the basis of fossils. Especially see the work they did to bring to life the Neanderthal Devil's Tower child in conjunction with artist Elisabeth Daynes of France. Another interesting site from the same group is Virtual Reality and Real Virtuality in the Biosciences, a joint research project of the MultiMedia Laboratory and the Institute of Anthropology. The purpose is to develop special graphics software for medicine and anthropology that permits efficient visualization and modification of 2D and 3D data from natural objects, and can be used for production of physical models.
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