The Palaeobiology Laboratories are spread across two buildings: the Inner Court Laboratories of the Wills Memorial Building, and the Life Sciences Building. These laboratories include dedicated spaces and facilities for 3D visualisation of computed tomography (CT) data and finite element modelling, molecular palaeobiology, fossil (macro-) preparation and casting, histology and experimental strain recording, microscopy, and microfossil extraction and analysis. 

3D visualisation and modelling

We have a variety of hardware and software for reconstructing computed tomography (CT) data, and reconstructing finite element models, including:

• 64-bit Dell workstations employing between 96-128GB RAM
• Avizo and Dragonfly tomography reconstruction software
• Hyperworks finite element mesh generation software
• Abaqus finite element solver
• 20TB+ RAID storage capacity with offsite mirroring
• Nikon XTH225ST micro-CT scanner

Molecular palaeobiology

A distinct laboratory for constructing libraries, gene cloning, in situ hybridization for molecular phylogenetics, molecular clock analyses and analysis of gene expression in development:

• Thermal cycler
• UV imager and recorder
• Electrophoresis suite
• Florescence microscopy (compound and stereomicroscopy)
• Access to an Illumina Genome Analyser 2α
• Refrigerated, shaker incubators, microfuges, centrifuges, water baths, heatblocks, autoclave, -80^oC freezer, ice flaker, constant temperature rooms
• Microbiological Safety Cabinet 

Histology and experimental strain recording

We have facilities for the creation of thin sections of rocks, fossils, and the skeletal tissues of living organisms. We also equipped to conduct experimental strain and cutting experiments:

• Buehler Isomet diamond-edged saw
• Buehler grinder and polisher
• c 5100 strain amplifier
• Custom-built 'double guillotine' with displacement sensor and force transducer
• Fridges and Freezers for storage of biological tissues

Microscopy and Photography

We have multiple set ups for microscopy and for imaging of samples under high magnification including:

• Leica M205C with high resolution cameras and motor operated stage complete with digital photography software
• Leica M165C 
• Basic stereomicroscopes
• Camera lucida 
• Photography stands

Microfossils

• Acid digestion to recover calcium phosphate, silicate, and organic-walled microfossils
• Microfossil processing facilities
• Transmitted and incident light and petrological microscopy digital photography facilities
• Access to School variable pressure Scanning Electron Microscope

Fossil preparation and casting

We have a dedicated fossil preparation laboratory equipped with:

• Dust extracted cabinets for air-scribes
• Acid digestion for larger scale projects
• Consolidation of sub fossil bone
• Moulding and casting of both small and large fossils – vacuum chamber available

For further information, see The Bristol Dinosaur Project