Microcomputed tomography (microCT) is emerging as the technique of choice for skeletal genetics research. The goal of these studies is to identify genes that modulate bone strength and skeletal biomechanics. Many studies use animal models, namely rats and mice. To fully characterize the skeletal phenotype, one must determine the size, shape, and microstructure of the bones preferably in three dimensions. In what follows are three examples of how μCT has been used to illuminate genetic effects on bone structure.
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