Tag: inspo

thebrainscoop:

Clearing and staining, or diaphonization, is a process used by vertebrate biologists when seeking to visualize a particular animal’s skeletal system. Some steps include submerging the specimen in containers of digestive enzymes to render their organs translucent, while other steps involve immersing the animal in alizarin red dye, which adheres to calcium in their bones and stains them red, and alcian blue dye, which reacts with the cartilage of their joints. The results manage to be useful for studying biomechanical function and skeletal morphology, as well as appear stunningly beautiful. 

Learn more of this process by watching our latest episode: Clearing and Staining Fishes!