Re: 3D Reconstructions and more

[syndesis@xxxxxxxxxxxx (Syndesis Corporation)]

>We did not use computers in any of our work, partly because of the 
>primitive nature of computers in those days, partly because of the 
>phenomenal amount of memory required, and partly because the methods 
>available just were not accurate enough. ...

>>I am primarily a computer scientest, but have spent the last 3-4 years 
>>working computer-based 3D reconstructions from serial sections in 
>>palaeontology. This work has been mainly with Brachiopods, in conjunction
>>with Mike Basset at the National Museum of Wales, Cardiff. 
>>
>>Some reconstructions and further details can be found at my web page
>>
>>http : //www.acs.lamp.ac.uk/~malc/

Excellent and interesting work!  I'm not a pro paleo; this is an
avocation.  My industry is computer graphics (in specific, 3D file
format translators), and I've bumped into a number of people who are 
also interested in both topics.  So there are amateur reconstructionists
out here, too...

I think there is tremendous potential for the use of computer graphics
to reconstruct the natural appearance and movements of extinct creatures.
I think last summer's 'Science News' cover image of anomalocaris was
a computer reconstruction from a Japanese company working on a
documentary.