April 30, 2009: Xradia Inc., a developer and manufacturer of ultra-high-resolution 3D X-ray imaging systems, said its scanner was used by researchers at the University of Texas at Austin in the examination of fossil Lucy, the world's most famous ancient human ancestor fossil, who lived 3.2 million years ago.

The company's Xradia MicroXCT scanner, a 3D X-ray computed tomography system with sub-micron resolution, was used by the University of Texas at Austin team to scan selected pieces of the fossil, and the resulting data will assist in their studies to learn how Lucy's skeleton supported her movement and posture, and how it compares to modern humans and apes.

Xradia's MicroXCT design enables the highest resolution images and the best sample size and shape flexibility available commercially, according to the company, making it possible to understand structural features on an ever finer scale. Unlike traditional imaging methods, Xradia's MicroXCT does not require sample preparation like cross-sectioning, making it a powerful tool for studying precious, one-of-a-kind specimens like fossil Lucy, the company said in a news release.

Lucy is currently on loan from the Ethiopian Government and on tour in the U.S. as part of a world premiere exhibit organized by the
Houston Museum of Natural Science.

Xradia designs and manufactures a family of high resolution 3D X-ray computed tomography (CT) systems for non-destructive imaging of complex internal structures. The company enables innovation and productivity through 3D insight for industrial and research applications in advanced materials, life sciences, microstructure modeling for oil and gas drilling, nanotechnology, and semiconductor package failure analysis.