I-Corps: X-Roots X-ray Computed Tomography Scans of Belowground Root Systems

I-Corps：X-Roots 地下根系的 X 射线计算机断层扫描

• 批准号: 2344852
• 负责人: Navid Jafari
• 金额: $ 5万
• 依托单位: Louisiana State University
• 依托单位国家: 美国
• 项目类别: Standard Grant
• 财政年份: 2024
• 资助国家: 美国
• 起止时间: 2024-01-15 至 2024-12-31
• 项目状态: 已结题
• 来源: https://www.nsf.gov/awardsearch/showAward?AWD_ID=2344852&HistoricalAwards=false
• 关键词: Corps; Roots; ray; Computed; Tomography

The broader impact/commercial potential of this I-Corps project is the development of technology that advances belowground root systems analysis using x-ray computed tomography (XCT) scans. This technology enables the accurate identification and quantification of live and dead roots, providing information about the health and structure of root systems. Beyond applications in agriculture, forestry, environmental conservation and land management, this technology has the potential to change how we understand and interact with belowground ecosystems, particularly in wetland ecosystems. By offering insights into wetland root systems, this technology may address pressing global challenges such as climate change and land management in these critical environments. The tool paves the way for sustainable development and commercial growth in various industries to improve the overall understanding of root ecosystems within wetlands and beyond.This I-Corps project is based on the development of the "X-Roots" technology, which utilizes advanced algorithms to analyze x-ray computed tomography (XCT) scans of belowground root systems. These algorithms enable the segmentation and classification of root components, including macro-pores, dead roots, live roots, and sediments, with a high degree of precision. The project aims to refine and tailor this technology to meet the unique needs of potential customers across diverse sectors. The innovation potential of X-Roots ranges from optimizing agricultural practices by evaluating soil health and nutrient uptake to enhance environmental conservation efforts by providing detailed insights into intricate root networks in wetlands. By making visible the hidden world beneath the Earth's surface, X-Roots expands understanding of root systems and their impact on ecosystems. This, in turn, opens the door for innovation, conservation, and commercial growth in potentially multiple industries.This award reflects NSF's statutory mission and has been deemed worthy of support through evaluation using the Foundation's intellectual merit and broader impacts review criteria.

该 I-Corps 项目更广泛的影响/商业潜力是开发利用 X 射线计算机断层扫描 (XCT) 扫描推进地下根系统分析的技术。该技术能够准确识别和量化活根和死根，提供有关根系统健康和结构的信息。除了在农业、林业、环境保护和土地管理方面的应用之外，这项技术还有可能改变我们理解地下生态系统以及与地下生态系统互动的方式，特别是在湿地生态系统中。通过提供对湿地根系的洞察，该技术可以解决紧迫的全球挑战，例如这些关键环境中的气候变化和土地管理。该工具为各行业的可持续发展和商业增长铺平了道路，以提高对湿地内外根系生态系统的整体了解。该 I-Corps 项目基于“X-Roots”技术的开发，该技术利用先进的算法分析地下根系的 X 射线计算机断层扫描 (XCT) 扫描。这些算法能够高精度地对根系成分进行分割和分类，包括大孔隙、死根、活根和沉积物。该项目旨在完善和定制这项技术，以满足不同行业潜在客户的独特需求。 X-Roots 的创新潜力包括通过评估土壤健康和养分吸收来优化农业实践，以及通过提供对湿地复杂根系网络的详细见解来加强环境保护工作。通过让地球表面下隐藏的世界变得可见，X-Roots 扩展了对根系统及其对生态系统影响的理解。这反过来又为潜在多个行业的创新、保护和商业增长打开了大门。该奖项反映了 NSF 的法定使命，并通过使用基金会的智力价值和更广泛的影响审查标准进行评估，被认为值得支持。