from Hacker News

OpenVertebrate Presents a Database of 13K 3D Scans of Specimens

by exikyut on 4/5/25, 2:15 AM with 18 comments

  • by vincnetas on 4/5/25, 7:13 AM

    Ok so whas looking where to actually download the models. Looks its here:

    https://www.morphosource.org/catalog/media?locale=en

    But you need to register account and file a request for each download.

    Edit: ok there is a filter option "Publication Status: Open Download" which gives you download without filing a request.

  • by gnabgib on 4/5/25, 3:11 AM

  • by mzajc on 4/5/25, 6:35 PM

    > Error 405 Slovenian users must use proxy.

    The project sounds interesting, but I can't see what it's about because they've apparently blacklisted (?) my entire country.

    ETA: Looks like this is just a news article. Perhaps linking the (less discriminatory) primary source would be a better idea: https://www.floridamuseum.ufl.edu/overt/gallery/

  • by exikyut on 4/5/25, 2:19 AM

    3D objects viewable in-browser can be found here: https://sketchfab.com/FloridaMuseum/models

    So far about 800 objects have been uploaded, including within the past fortnight.

    Some noninteractive colour images are available here: https://www.floridamuseum.ufl.edu/overt/gallery/

  • by pmags on 4/5/25, 4:38 PM

    Note that MorphoSource is precisely the type of scientific resource that will be lost if Trump, Elon, and the DOGE-ies have their way.

    This has been jointly funded by NSF and the investigators home institution (Duke).

    Scientific databases, like this, but also many model organism genome databases have already been at risk because maintaining and curating high quality data is often seen as "not sexy enough". Many such resources are being forced to consider subscription models (e.g. [1]) to "keep the lights on". Ironically such resources are in fact critical for modern, high impact science.

    This is only going to get worse as the Trumpists and DOGE-ies continue to kneecap NIH, NSF, and other critical parts of our infrastructure.

    [1] https://veupathdb.org/veupathdb/app/static-content/subscript...

  • by seabass-labrax on 4/5/25, 6:28 PM

    I find these kinds of projects really exciting. Does anyone know if the people behind this project have any connection to #ScanAllFish[1], which was also featured on Hacker News last year[2]?

    [1]: https://www.adamsummers.org/scanallfish

    [2]: https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=40021458

  • by mmooss on 4/6/25, 5:54 AM

    What might be an efficient way to view these if you don't work with 3-D models often. Is there a good viewer that allows 3-D rotation, etc.?

  • by quasarj on 4/5/25, 3:59 AM

    Do they share the original CT scans?

  • by slimbuck on 4/5/25, 11:38 AM

    Some of these would be better converted to 3dgs.

  • by jmakov on 4/5/25, 8:33 AM

    Errot 405

  • by curtisszmania on 4/6/25, 2:56 AM

    The OpenVertebrate database is an incredible resource, but I wonder how accessible it truly is for everyday use—like without needing a biology degree to navigate. It’s fascinating how 3D scans are revolutionizing our understanding of species, but I’d love to see more on practical applications for non-researchers.

    This could be a game-changer for educators and hobbyists alike. Here's to more accessible, cross-disciplinary tools!