What happened
The US military is buying a specialized machine that measures body composition in small animals like mice and rats. This machine uses MRI technology to precisely track changes in fat, lean mass, and water without harming the animals.
Why it matters
This purchase indicates a continued investment in basic research involving animal models, likely for studies related to nutrition, metabolism, or the effects of various interventions. Precise body composition data is critical for understanding the physiological impacts of drugs, diets, or environmental factors in preclinical trials. It allows researchers to quantify subtle changes that might otherwise be missed.