Other Resources
I have been using VGSTUDIO MAX for nearly a decade to analyse µCT scans of museum specimens, especially for quantifying morphological and microanatomical traits. Its segmentation tools, surface refinement, and volume rendering
options are well suited to biological structures, and the animation features help communicate complex forms clearly. For those starting out, their scientific CT-data training is worth considering. And if you do not have access to a licence, the free myVGL viewer lets you explore projects created in VGSTUDIO MAX.
The Reptile Database provides up-to-date taxonomic, distributional, and bibliographic data for over 14,000 reptile taxa worldwide, with links to resources like GenBank, the IUCN Red List, and iNaturalist. I have used it consistently across my research projects. It remains one of the most reliable tools for navigating current reptile taxonomy.
For centuries, anatomical research relied on dissection. The approach destroys the very specimen under study. With micro-computed tomography (µCT), we can now examine internal and
external structures in situ, without harm. This digital revolution marks a true shift in morphological science. It expands access and supports conservation. What began as a technical novelty has grown into a vast data landscape. At the heart of this transformation is MorphoSource, the largest µCT repository. Its scale and utility are unmatched. I encourage you to explore, contribute, and make use of this extraordinary resource.
BioDB’s mission rests on three pillars: awareness, conservation, and support. Their goal is to educate people about the threats wildlife face and to unite a global community in protecting our planet’s irreplaceable biodiversity. They invited me to serve as Honorary Patron for the Jacky dragon, the first Australian herp I encountered in the wild nearly two decades ago. That moment marked the beginning of a long and rewarding journey, and their work remains close to my heart.
Scott Keogh has been supervising my PhD since 2021, but his “Resources and Advice for Students & Postdocs” are well worth exploring even if you are not part of his lab. With practical guidance on everything from grant writing to giving talks, it is a clear recommendation for early-career researchers.
