Crystal ribcage (IMAGE) Boston University Caption Crystal ribcage can be utilized to study almost any lung diseases that affect the alveoli (air sacs), such as cancer, metastasis, pneumonia, fibrosis, and emphysema. Credit Photo courtesy of Dr. Hadi Nia. Usage Restrictions Photo republishing permitted with credit. License Original content Disclaimer: AAAS and EurekAlert! are not responsible for the accuracy of news releases posted to EurekAlert! by contributing institutions or for the use of any information through the EurekAlert system.