A paper home, why not?

Wasps make paper nests. Wasps are expert paper makers, capable of turning raw wood into sturdy paper homes. A wasp queen uses her mandibles to scrape bits of wood fiber from fences, logs, or even cardboard. She then breaks the wood fibers down in her mouth, using saliva and water to weaken them. The wasp flies to her chosen nest site with a mouth full of soft paper pulp. The nest starts off in the spring with the queen building a petiole (a single stalk from which the nest hangs) and a single hexagonal shaped cell at the end of the petiole, then approximate six more cells are formed around the centre one. The queen will lay eggs in each cell as it is being constructed. Once these eggs have hatched out and gone through the developments stages and pupated into adult wasps, these new worker wasps take over nest construction and leave the queen solely to lay eggs and control the nest, this from now on is her primary function!

The flower development stages on the Brassicaceae family

1. Early stages of flower development. The reproductive organs are being formed
SMZ-171 Stereomicroscope 40X | MLC-150 Fiber Optic Illuminator | Moticam 5

2. Pre-anthesis stages. Both stamen and carpel are elongating

SMZ-171 Stereomicroscope 50X | MLC-150 Fiber Optic Illuminator | Moticam 5

3. Anthesis stage. Anthers open to liberate the pollen grains, which adhere to the stigma where germination starts

SMZ-171 Stereomicroscope 20X | MLC-150 Fiber Optic Illuminator | Moticam 5

4. Fertilization already occurred. Sepals, petals and stamen degenerate and fruit development starts

SMZ-171 Stereomicroscope 20X | MLC-150 Fiber Optic Illuminator | Moticam 5

5. Fruit development follows

SMZ-171 Stereomicroscope 10X | Moticam 5

6. Latter stage of fruit development. Seeds can already be discerned inside de fruit

SMZ-171 Stereomicroscope 10X | Moticam 5

7. Details of the pollen grains

BA-410E Advanced Upright Microscope with 20X Plan Apochromatic objective | Moticam 5

Small is beautiful

Diatoms, exhibition mount by Klaus Kemp (UK)

The fine glassy details of diatoms are admired already for hundreds of years, ever since the invention of the microscope. During Victorian times, manipulation and studying of diatoms was considered an art and a pastime, and slides with different species of diatoms were used to thoroughly evaluate the latest microscope objectives for performance.

The diatoms are one of the largest and ecologically most significant groups of organisms on earth. They are also one of the easiest to recognize, because of their unique cell structure, silicified cell wall and life cycle. They occur almost everywhere that is adequately lit (because most species need light for photosynthesis) and wet - in oceans, lakes and rivers; marshes, fens and bogs; damp moss and rock faces; even on the feathers of some diving birds. Some have been captured by other organisms and live as endosymbionts, e.g. in dinoflagellates and foraminifera. Because of their abundance in marine plankton, especially in nutrient-rich areas of the world's oceans, diatoms probably account for as much as 20% of global photosynthetic fixation of carbon, which is more than all the world's tropical rainforests.

There is history in limestone

Limestone is a sedimentary rock, and along with shale, is one of the best preservers of fossils. Over time, sedimentary rock presses down around what were once living things to preserve the basic outline of their appearance and physical characteristics. Crack open a large piece of limestone or walk a beach covered with limestone rocks and you are almost guaranteed to find a fossil. If you don't find one, rest assured that they are there, lending the calcium carbonate from bones, exoskeletons and shells to the limestone itself.

Limestone forms when calcite from the water crystallizes or when fragments from coral and shells cement together. Limestone is a type of sedimentary rock that contains fossils in the form of sea creatures. Entire reef formations and communities of organisms are found preserved in limestone. The types of fossils found in limestone include coral, algae (see images), clams, brachiopods, bryozoa and crinoids. Most limestone forms in shallow tropical or subtropical seas. In some cases, fossils make up the entire structure of limestone.

Source: eHow

Basics of Light Microscopy: Resolution & Magnification

The drum battle between Ginger Baker and Art Blakey on the occasion of the Olympic Games 1972 in Munich revealed a clear message: precision rules power. Transferred to the world of optics, this message means: resolution rules magnification.

Resolution may be defined as the ability of a reproducing system to separate individual signals, no matter what nature they are: e.g. optical or acoustical. The jazz drummer Art Blakey (like many jazz drummers) was able to accelerate his playing to the max: the audience was not able to separate individual beats on his drums, or, in other words, the resolution power of the human ear was not able to “resolve” single beats of his playing.

In widefield microscopy, resolution is understood as the ability of the microscope hardware, means optics, to separate individual events in a distance range down to roughly 220 microns. It is the objective which is the key element of any resolution calculation. Eyepieces and downstream digital cameras can only process the information flux which has entered the objective. The larger the opening angle of the objective, the more information is available for data processing.

The schoolbook tells us that the Numerical Aperture of an objective, indicated on the objective sleeve, is directly accessible for a calculation of the minimum distance which can be resolved. The following sequence of 20X lenses, starting from a Plan Achromat up to a Plan Apochromat, displays NAs from 0.40 up to 0.65, thus increasing resolving power.

The following formula has to be applied:

d min is the minimum distance which can be resolved, NA the numerical aperture of objective and condenser respectively. In an ideal case both angles are identical (NA is the sinus value of a half opening angle of the objective). So taking into consideration that the human eye is most sensible in the range of 550nm (green), for a 20X objective we may calculate as follows:

Plan Achromat 20X

d min = 550nm/2 x 0.40 = 688nm

Plan Fluorite 20X

d min = 550nm/2 x 0.50 = 550nm

Plan Apochromat 20X

d min = 550nm/2x 0.65 = 423nm

So the resolution power for a 20X objective will be maximum 423nm. Taking into consideration that the aperture diaphragm of a condenser will have to be closed for contrast reasons, this ideal calculation will not be verified. But it gives some idea about the limits of conventional light microscopy.

It may be worth to mention that the user can do a lot to maximize the image results. Any deviation from the standard cover slip thickness of 0.17mm, any overload of embedding media of the sample (which acts an additional cover slip), any grease or oil on the front lens of a dry objective will have a deep impact on the image result. 

The above images display a diatom, a monocellular alga, enclosed in a silica exoskeleton with tiny pores of specific size. The left image resolves perfectly the arrangement of the pores, while the right image with the same magnification power is not able to display details.

Conclusion: Resolution, not magnification is the key issue.

A blood serious affair!

Arteries are the blood vessels that deliver oxygen-rich blood from the heart to the tissues of the body. Each artery is a muscular tube lined by smooth tissue and has three layers:

• The intima, the inner layer lined by a smooth tissue called endothelium
• The media, a layer of muscle that lets arteries handle the high pressures from the heart
• The adventitia, connective tissue anchoring arteries to nearby tissues

The largest artery is the aorta, the main high-pressure pipeline connected to the heart's left ventricle. The aorta branches into a network of smaller arteries that extend throughout the body. The arteries' smaller branches are called arterioles and capillaries. The pulmonary arteries carry oxygen-poor blood from the heart to the lungs under low pressure, making these arteries unique.

Arteriosclerosis is hardening and thickening of the walls of the arteries. Arteriosclerosis can occur because of fatty deposits on the inner lining of arteries (atherosclerosis), calcification of the wall of the arteries, or thickening of the muscular wall of the arteries from chronically elevated blood pressure. Atherosclerosis is a progressive disease that is characterized by a buildup of plaque within the arteries. Plaque is formed from fatty substances, cholesterol, cellular waste, calcium, and fibrin. Plaque may partially or totally block the blood's flow through an artery. Two things can happen: bleeding into the plaque, or formation of a clot on the surface of the plaque. If either of these happens and blocks the artery, a heart attack or stroke may result.

Sources: WebMD, Franklin Institute

How to clean your microscope

Do not disassemble your microscope

Disassembly may significantly affect the performance of the instrument, and may result in electric shock or injury and will void the terms of the warranty.

Never attempt to dismantle any parts other than the ones described below. If you notice any malfunction, contact your nearest Motic supplier.

Optics

Keeping the optics of your microscope clean is essential for obtaining clear images.

Choosing the best cleaning method depends on the nature of the optical surface and type of dirt.

Dirtiness on the image may be caused by the following variables:

• Dirt on the outer or inner eyepiece lens.
• Dirt on the front lens of the objective.
• Dirt on the upper lens of the condenser.
• Dirt on the surface of the sample slide glass.
• Dirt on the upper lens of illuminator.
• Dirt on other optical components of the microscope such as mirrors, lamps, filters, intermediate lenses …

In the case of microscopes with a camera attached to it:

• Dirt on the camera adapter.
• Dirt on the protection filter of the camera sensor.

For Eyepieces with reticules:

• Dirt on the outer or inner reticle glass.

Dirt image | Clean image

Objectives are the optical component of the microscope that require the most maintenance. Because for their actual use, they can get dirty easily.

For objectives that work without oil (dry): The first step is to carefully unscrew the objective from the nosepiece.

In order to make things easier and safer, we can screw the objective on one of the objective cases supplied with microscope. By doing it this way, the objective will be in a stable position avoiding possible falls.

 1  We will proceed by cleaning it using pressurized dry air - or an air gun if available – and, if after this is done we still observe spots of dust or dirt,  2  we will clean them with a cotton swab dampened with a low graduation of alcohol 70% or with a mixture of alcohol and ether (ratio alcohol: 3 and ether: 7).  3  With a spiral movement (starting from the center of the lens) we will then clean the surface of the lens.  4  We will then dry its surface by using pressurized dry air and we will check that the lens is clean either with the help of a magnifying glass or by screwing the lens back on the revolving nosepiece of the microscope.

For objectives that work with immersion oil it is essential to clean them after each observation session. To clean it we will use a cleaning cloth for lenses slightly dampened with a low graduation of alcohol. We will proceed by cleaning the frontal objective lens (normally 100X-Oil or 50X-Oil). It is important to make a preventive maintenance also for those objectives that work at a very close distance to the sample. With this we mean the 40X and 60X objectives, which may accidentally get in contact with the immersion oil.

Users of inverted biological microscopes have to take special care with the objectives because they can get dirty with dust or liquid that spills from the sample/s. In this case we recommend you check the status of the objectives accurately at least once a week.

For optical components such as eyepieces, condensers, filters, etc. we recommend using the same cleaning method. First cleaning it with pressurized dry air, then cleaning it with a cotton swab or a cleaning cloth for lenses (slightly moistened with a low graduation of alcohol) and finally drying it with pressurized dry air.

Once the cleaning process is finalized if the image is still not clear, you can either contact us or you can contact your Motic supplier.

For users that have a digital camera mounted on the microscope and whom observe dirt on the digital image, it is important that the first step is to proceed with objectives maintenance, as explained above. If the dirt persist, we have to find out if it has to do with the microscope or the camera. To check this we simply have to loosen the adapter and rotate the camera. If the dirt rotates whilst turning it, then it means that it is in the microscope. If it does not rotate, then it is either in the adapter or in the protection filter of the sensor. If the dirt is on the surface lens of the adapter then you can use the same cleaning method that we have explained above, but if the dirt is in the protection filter of the sensor then use pressurized dry air only. If the dirt persist you can either contact us or you can contact your Motic supplier.

Mechanics

The mechanical components of the microscope require less maintenance than the optical components. Our first maintenance advice is to use the dust cover provided with the microscope, this way we will avoid the accumulation of dust on the microscope.

If we wish to clean the stand or the specimen holder, we will simply use a cleaning cloth moistened with soap diluted in distilled water. After this we will proceed in perfectly drying the entire surface of the microscope. You have to take special care with the electrical components of the microscope such as the ON / OFF switch, the dimmer, the lamp holder…

If there are grease stains we can use the same cloth moistened with a low graduation of alcohol.

If you face any problems related to the maintenance of your microscope, please contact us. Our technicians will gladly help you solve your maintenance issue/s.

Crystal clear and colorful

Crystal structure of Phenyl-2-hydroxybenzoate or phenyl salicylate, or salol, is presented here by using polarization microscopy. It is a chemical substance, introduced in 1886 by Marceli Nencki of Basel. It can be created by heating salicylic acid with phenol. It appears in the form of small white crystals or crystalline powder with pleasant aromatic odour and taste.

Once used in sunscreens, phenyl salicylate is now used in the manufacture of some polymers, lacquers, adhesives, waxes and polishes. It has been used as an antiseptic based on the antibacterial activity upon hydrolysis in the small intestine. It acts as a mild analgesic.

Good news: Fluorescence is now safer and easier to handle

Any traditional Fluorescence user is aware of the alignment procedure to get the brightest possible image; every lab assistant knows about difficulties in case the mercury bulb has to be replaced again because of a quite short life time.

Nice to hear that Motic offers a solution: For the Elite versions of BA upright biological microscopes, a selection of Epi-LED modules, to be placed between microscope body and eyepiece tube, is available for an easy-to handle Fluorescence. Now this contrast method is ready to be introduced in safety-sensible environments like medical schools, where the teaching program each year creates a new generation of young but unexperienced professionals. No alignment of the illumination, no warm-up period, no heat development obstructs an immediate start of work: Best preconditions for an uncomplicated workflow and safe teaching.

The Epi-LED modules come in a selection of 3 different units, each of them a combination of an LED light source and a well-adapted dichroic/barrier filter combination. At the moment 3 different setups can be supplied:

• 455nm LED with a long pass barrier of 485nm
• 470nm LED with a band-pass barrier of 535/40nm
• 470nm LED with a long-pass barrier of 515nm

These modules cover AURAMINE 0 applications like Malaria/Tuberculosis detection as well as standard FITC stainings.

At first instance this is a good message for everyone who know about traditional HBO light sources: alignment difficulties, short life time, heat development, need for an environmental-friendly disposal. All these facts in mind, you will agree that LEDs will be the future of specific microscope illumination demands. Further handy solutions can be expected.

If you want to know more, take a look to this catalogue.

Small creatures of great importance

Fruit flies, Drosophila, are small insects that, as their name implies, often are found in and feed on fruits, although they like other foods, too. They prefer to eat matter that is decaying or fermenting, and most varieties are fairly tiny. They are found around the globe and reproduce extremely quickly, which has given them a significant role in research despite their reputation as a nuisance. Many varieties get into buildings simply by finding small cracks and holes to slip through, but they also get transported from place to place in less-than-ideal produce. People typically can get them under control by keeping homes free of rotting items and by using homemade or purchased traps.

One of the ways to distinguish between fruit fly males and females is to look at the color of the abdomen. A fly's abdomen is made up of many different segments. On a male fly, the last two segments of the abdomen are much darker than the female. The male fruit flies have thick black bands, whereas the females tend to have one darker band on the bottom with a lighter band on top of that.