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UK's first virtual cadaver benefits medical students
anatomical hologram
Medical and anatomy students can investigate the human body by virtually dissecting it.
3D anatomical hologram goes on display at University of Edinburgh

A life-size virtual cadaver - one of the first of its kind in the UK - is set to give a new dimension to doctors' training.

The Anatomage Table allows medical and anatomy students to investigate the human body by virtually dissecting it, and will be in use and on display at the University of Edinburgh’s School of Anatomy.

The table, which shows life-sized male and female bodies, has been created from CT scans allowing the body to be seen from all angles. Unlike the dissection of a real cadaver, where body parts can only be removed, students can add or remove organs, veins, arteries, nerves or tissue by touching the table, allowing those training to see how one part relates to another.  

Anatomy teachers say that the table allows the body and the relationship of structures within it to be visualised in great detail.

The new device joins another modern teaching tool at the University’s Medical School – a life-sized 3D anatomical hologram, which is the largest of its kind in the world. The 3D image of a female body shows muscle structures, skeleton, internal organs, blood vessels and nerves.

Gordon Findlater, professor of translational anatomy, said: “The beauty of the Anatomage Table is that you can rotate and view the body in all three planes in a unique 3D experience. Although it will never, I believe, replace the experience of dissecting and handling a real cadaver, it will allow students to handle a virtual cadaver without all the legislation that accompanies the use of real cadavers. So far we have received a lot of good feedback from the students and surgeons who have tested it out.”

The Anatomage Table will be used in formal teaching sessions where appropriate and will also be available for the public to see and use, under supervision, when the University's Anatomy Museum is open to the public.

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Birmingham Dogs Home makes urgent appeal

News Story 1
 Birmingham Dogs Home has issued an urgent winter appeal as it faces more challenges over the Christmas period.

The rescue centre has seen a dramatic increase in dogs coming into its care, and is currently caring for over 200 dogs. With rising costs and dropping temperatures, the charity is calling for urgent support.

It costs the charity £6,000 per day to continue its work.

Fi Harrison, head of fundraising and communications, said: "It's heart-breaking for our team to see the conditions some dogs arrive in. We really are their last chance and hope of survival."

More information about the appeal can be found here. 

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Avian flu confirmed at premises in Cornwall

A case of highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N1 has been detected in commercial poultry at a premises near Rosudgeon, Cornwall.

All poultry on the infected site will be humanely culled, and a 3km protection zone and 10km surveillance zone have been put in place. Poultry and other captive birds in the 3km protection zone must be housed.

The case is the second avian flu case confirmed in commercial poultry this month. The H5N5 strain was detected in a premises near Hornsea, East Riding of Yorkshire, in early November. Before then, the disease had not been confirmed in captive birds in England since February.

The UK chief veterinary officer has urged bird keepers to remain alert and practise robust biosecurity.

A map of the disease control zones can be found here.