March 15, 2013 (Vol. 33, No. 6)

URL:
http://embryo.soad.umich.edu

Rating:
Strong Points: Easy to browse data, well organized
Weak Points: None

Summary:

A website whose name says it all, the Multi-Dimensional Human Embryo site offers visitors an in-depth view of human embryos at 10 developmental stages (ranging from postovulatory days 28–56). The three-dimensional image datasets were acquired by magnetic resonance microscopy (MRM) over a number of years. (For you MRM aficionados out there, the collection includes images acquired by T1-, T2-, and Diffusion-weighted pulse sequences.) Visitors to the site first select a developmental stage, which subsequently allows them to browse photographs, animations, and MRI slices associated with that stage. The website contains a small list of links to related sites, and the technical information page provides the experimental details for specimen preparation and imaging. Overall, the website is easy to navigate and offers a fascinating glimpse into human development.

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