In the last section, you observed and learned about some of the preservation and storage techniques Museum collections staff use to keep specimens intact and ready for use in science and research. 

In this activity, you'll explore another fascinating preparation technique known as clearing and staining or diaphonization.

Diaphonization is the process by which muscle and skin tissues are made clear and internal structures like bone and cartilage are stained with tissue-specific dyes. 

Watch the video below to learn more about the process of diaphonization and why scientist might turn to this method when preparing a specimen for research. .

Diaphonization -- otherwise known as clearing and staining -- is one of the most photogenic preparation methods used by research scientists. It's beautiful, but is it practical? We interviewed Dr. Caleb McMahan, Collection Manager of Fishes, on how he uses this technique to answer questions about the evolution of fish!

Clearing and Staining Fishes

Field Museum

This alligator specimen has undergone the process of diaphonization, also known as clearing and staining. 

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Cleared and Stained Alligator Skull

American Alligators live throughout wetland ecosystems in the Southern  United States. They are apex predators, feeding on fish, amphibians, reptiles, birds and mammals. 

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American Alligator Photo

Once specimen are cleared and stained, they are stored in a solution of glycerin and kept in the collection for researchers to use in their research. 

Finally, in the next activity we will look at one final technique used to preserve and store museum specimens: Herbarium or plant sheets! 

Standards for Specimen Preparation - Clearing and Staining

Next Generation Science Standards