Micscape
Current Month
ISSN
1365 – 070x
Exploring
the miniature world
Next
update June 13th.
Issue 151: May 2008 URL Should work after May 13, 2008
Macrophotography of soap bubbles - Michael Much (USA) presents some attractive examples with details on how to prepare the soap films and photograph them.
Microscopic Miracles. Chapter 2 - Dinoflagellates - Cheryl Gilpin (USA) describes and illustrates examples of these microorganisms.
Dispersion staining - Robert Pavlis (USA) provides an introduction to this technique and shows an example of its application.
Microcitations. An annotated collection of microscopic footnotes - Manuel del Cerro (USA) and Lazaros C. Triarhou (Greece) share some interesting reflections on microscopy from past and present.
A close-up view of the anemone - Brian Johnston (Canada) illustrates the attractive features of this plant on the macro and microscopic scale.
Another microscope camera review - Bill Resch (USA) assesses a camera commonly available on eBay.
Nineteenth century British microscopy and natural history: Part 5 - Richard Howey (USA) continues his series on fascinating aspects of old journals.
Customizing a stereo 'scope for archaeological studies - Ian MacGregor (Canada) describes modifications to his Zeiss stereo and shows a design for a homemade subject manipulator.
Off-axis COL update - Paul James (UK) shares observations on his further studies of a variant of COL using a 40x objective in particular.
A close-up view of the wildflower 'common mallow' - Brian Johnston (Canada) illustrates the attractive features of this wildflower on the macro and microscopic scale.
A crystalline herbal and bestiary: A journey to an alien world Part 4 - Richard Howey (USA) continues his illustrated fantasy where the author visits an alien planet with a local host describing its exotic fauna and flora.
Gallery: Further images of whole insect mounts and other arthropods - David Walker (UK) uses a 35mm film scanner to image large subjects mounted on microscope slides.
In focus:
Gregor and Normand Overney's splendid resource in the March 2008 issue, The Excellent Leitz Microscopes with Black Enamel Finish has been considerably expanded as more information
Micscape Issue 150: April 2008.
ISSN
1365 – 070x
Exploring
the miniature world
Next
update June 13th.
The 2008 extension of the Micropolitan Museum of microscopic art forms - the museum celebrates many aspects of the wonders of the microscopic world with all the stunning images created by Wim van Egmond (Netherlands) and who has considerably extended the number of exhibits in the galleries. (Wim thanks Tevor Rorberts for his help.)
Microscopic Miracles. Chapter 1 - Pteropods - Cheryl Gilpin (USA) shares her enthusiasm for these small swimming marine molluscs ('sea butterflies') in this illustrated article.
Using light emitting diodes with fibre optic systems - Robert Pavlis (USA) describes a homemade fibre optic lighting setup.
Neophyte explores Pliocene shells - Charles Suslavage (USA) describes and illustrates the fascinating fossil organisms found in the debris within larger shells.
A close-up view of a 'lupine hybrid' - Brian Johnston (Canada) illustrates the attractive features of this tree on the macro and microscopic scale.
Ernst Leitz Stativ 'A' monocular microscope - Ian Walker (UK) shares illustrated 'notes on the refurbishing of a fine design ca. 1910' with some items fixed using materials around the house without requiring engineering facilities.
Another rant about the price of books - Richard Howey (USA) discusses the unrealistic prices often asked for specialist used books.
A close-up view of the 'single-seed hawthorn' - Brian Johnston (Canada) illustrates the attractive features of this tree on the macro and microscopic scale.
A crystalline herbal and bestiary: A journey to an alien world Part 3 - Richard Howey (USA) continues his illustrated fantasy where the author visits an alien planet with a local host describing its exotic fauna and flora.
Optimal output from the Abbe - Paul James (UK) discusses an illustrates the use of this condenser and presents 'a case for bending the rules?'
Spring pond dip - David Walker (UK) shares 'a snapshot of life in a back garden pond in northern England'.
Preparing and using your own hematein staining solutions using crude logwood - Yvan Lindekens (Belgium) describes techniques for preparing and using this stain.
Notes on using a Victorian compressorium on a modern microscope - David Walker's (UK) observations on using one design of compressorium on a modern stand.
30th April 2008
The Royal Botanic Gardens Kew has announced that the The Shirley Sherwood Gallery of Botanical Art is now open to the public. It is the first gallery in the world to open year round dedicated solely to botanical art.
Click here to go to their website page. (Opens in new page).
30th April 2008
Brown & Herbranson Imaging - introduces eHuman anatomical software - a series of images of the human body. Click here* to visit their site. (Please note that the general disclaimer shown on our "links to other interesting sites" page applies here - click here to see disclaimer). (*Opens in new page)
18th April 2008
The Encyclopedia of Life - a new project which states that it is "Comprehensive, collaborative, ever-growing, and personalized, the Encyclopedia of Life is an ecosystem of websites that makes all key information about all life on Earth accessible to anyone, anywhere in the world". Follow this link to see more. (opens in new window). If you have the expertise, you might like to apply to become a "Curator".
13th April 2008
During the past year Brian Darnton been developing a blog as a diary, and this has now become a storehouse for information on British Forams - including diagrams and images. As a diary the material is in chronological rather than subject order, but will be of great interest to members and non-members alike.
Click here to visit the blog (opens in new window). As this is an on-going project you should re-visit on a regular basis.
13th April 2008
Tablemats and microscopy - read more....
11th March 2008
Member Spike Walker has had two of his images selected for the Wellcome Image Awards. These fantastic images range over a number of subjects and can be seen by following this link (opens in new page). Spike's images are numbers 9 and 16 (second and third rows).
You may have seen some of them when they were shown at the end of the BBC news at 10 pm on Tuesday 11th March. Must be a first for this type of image to make the main news broadcast of the day.
Well worth a look. Also see below
13th March
Follow up of the above item. One of Spike's images (Vitamin C) also appeared today in the Times 2 supplement (pages 8 and 9) .
In addition, Allan Brinkworth has spotted another link to a site which deals with a new technique for 3D optical microscopy - one which produced the embryo image. Click here to go to the site (opens in new page).
7th January 2008
For Quekett members - a special Workshop on Digital imaging (Saturday 19th Jan) - see Member's area
3rd October 2007
The Quekett Exhibition was held last Saturday (28 September) at the Natural History Museum. There was a wide range of exhibits from the members and we were delighted to welcome the London Freshwater Group as an exhibitor. We also welcomed many visitors, including several from the Museum members group.
This year a Leitz / Leica Timeline was presented with a variety of microscopes dating from the mid 19th century to the latest 21 century models.
The photographic competition and slide competition were well supported; the photographic images illustrating a wide range of microscopic techniques and samples. Clearly image stacking is the way of the future! A detailed report and some of the images are on the members’ site.
Pam Hamer
7th August 2007
Further details for Microscopium 2007 - click here or go to Meetings Calendar
30th June 2007
The visit to Epping Forest has been postponed - further details in the meetings calendar -
Here is the May 2008 Microscopy Today table of contents. I will
close the subscription list for this issue on Friday May 9, 2008.
Microscopists in North America and MSA members anywhere qualify for free
subscriptions. Anyone else may subscribe for US$60 per year (to
PARTIALLY cover postage). All subscriptions at
http://www.microscopy-today.com .
Thank you,
Ron Anderson, Editor
=========================
Looking at Proteins Interacting and Folding inside Cells
Stephen W. Carmichael, Mayo Clinic
Life In and Under the Antarctic Ice Sheets
Shawn Doyle, Pierre Amato and Brent Christner Louisiana State University
Identifying Foreign Material Contamination in Food and Food Ingredients
V. L. St. Jeor, A. Lape, A. R. Muroski, C. McGuire, J.S. Kruger, and D.
L. Elmore, Cargill Incorporated, Excelsior, MN
Development of TV-rate CCD Cameras for in-situ Electron Microscopy
Lancy Tsung, Bill Mollon, Ming Pan, Yan Jia, Paul Mooney, and Chengye
Mao, Gatan, Inc. Pleasanton, CA
Signature Analysis Applied to EDS Microanalysis
J.W. Colby & D. C. Ward, xk, Incorporated, Clackamas, OR
Automated Image Acquisition of Polymer Blend Morphology in an SEM
C. S. Todd1, J. Blackson1, G. Bar2, E. Garcia-Meitin3, D. Reuschle3 M.
Janus4, M. Darus5 & A. Nickles5 , Dow Chemical, 1Midland, MI,
2Schkopau, Germany, 3Freeport, TX. FEI Company, 4Eindhoven, Netherlands,
5Hillsboro, OR
Surface Preparation of Uranium by Ion Milling
Donald A. Carpenter & Robert L. Bridges, Y-12 National Security
Complex, Oak Ridge, TN
Using Iodine Vapour Staining to Visualize Starch Distribution in a Dry,
Extruded Food
Jacquie Bond1 and Allan K Hardacre2 ,1 Scion Research Ltd, Rotorua, 2
New Zealand Institute for Crop & Food Research Ltd, Palmerston North,
New Zealand
A Method to Characterize and Correct Elliptical Distortion in Electron
Diffraction Patterns
Vincent D.-H. Hou and Du Li, Micron Technology, Inc., Boise, ID
Insect Epicuticular Grease Visualised by Scanning Probe Microscopy
Stanislav Gorb, Dagmar Voigt, Henrik Peisker, Max-Planck Institute for
Metals Research, Stuttgart, Germany
Functional Collaborative Remote Microscopy: Inter-Continental Atomic
Resolution Imaging
J .M. Perkins,* D. A. Blom,*** D. W. McComb,* and L. F. Allard**,
*Imperial College London, UK, ** Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Oak
Ridge, TN, ***University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC
Why is it Difficult to Simulate EBSD Patterns Accurately?
Alwyn Eades and Andrew Deal, Lehigh University, Bethlehem, PA
Quick Sample Preparation and EFTEM Elemental Characterization of FAB
Based Defects
C.T. Schamp, B.T. Valdez, J. Gazda, Cerium Labs, Austin, TX
Industry News
NetNotes
SPECIMEN PREPARATION – coloring Epon
SPECIMEN PREPARATION – heat fixation of bacteria
SPECIMEN PREPARATION – SEM of smooth muscle
SPECIMEN PREPARATION – fungi for SEM
SPECIMEN PREPARATION - cross section polishing for SEM
SPECIMEN PREPARATION - Labeling SiO2 particles
SPECIMEN PREPARATION – quantum dots for EM
SPECIMEN PREPARATION - immunogold staining of DNA and chitosan
MICROTOMY - picking up cryosections
IMMUNOCYTOCHEMISTRY – permeabilization
IMMUNOCYTOCHEMISTRY - colloidal gold
IMAGE PROCESSING – false color images LOW
IMAGE ANALYSIS - LOW
TEM camera problems
FESEM - exploding ceramics
ESEM – filament degradation
Scanning He-ion microscope
EDS - accuracy of thin film measurements
EDS - analysis on thin contaminant layer
EDS - effect of beam alignment on results MEDIUM
SILICON DRIFT DETECTORS - element mapping
INSTRUMENTATION – diffusion pump
Dear Abbe
Advertiser's Index
Modern
Microscopy
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online Journal
cumulative index
Articles
"The Development of a Protocol for the Microscopical Analysis of White Powder Unknowns: From the Hot Zone to the Microscope”
Charles A. Zona, Director of Education, College of Microscopy, Westmont, IL 7/19/2007
|
"Abstract The number of reported white powder scares rose dramatically after the September 18, 2001 anthrax attacks in the United States that killed five people. In the State of Massachusetts alone the local Fire Departments responded to an average of 400 mystery..." more
|
Microanalysis of Craters in Organic Coating of Aluminum Cans
Frank McDonough, Quaker Chemical, Conshohocken, PA
Wayne D. Niemeyer, McCrone Associates, Inc., Westmont, IL
Mike Shuster, Ball Packaging International, Westminster, CO 2/8/2006
|
"ABSTRACT In this article, we are going to discuss a case study in which we conducted an investigation to track down an elusive cratering problem involving the inside coating (IC) of aluminum cans, and discovered a surprising set of circumstances..." more |
Applying an Abbe Criterion to Photomacrography
Ted Clarke, Scientific Photographer and Instrument Maker 12/1/2005
|
Microscopists are generally familiar with Abbe’s criterion for useful magnification being between 500 and 1000 times the numerical aperture. This subject and its relation to digital imaging are ..." more |
Assembling Stereo Anaglyph Images with Photoshop
John C. Russ, Materials Science and Engineering Department,
North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC
J. Christian Russ, Reindeer Graphics, Inc., Asheville, NC 6/27/2005
|
" A recent article that appeared in Microscopy Today showed a flawed and very awkward procedure for using Adobe Photoshop® to combine stereo pair images into a color anaglyph that can be viewed through colored glasses. The correct..." more |
Adventures in Communication, Why No One Understands Me.
Frank S. Karl 2/7/2005
|
" It is impossible to deny the importance of any microscopy technique as applied to research and problem solving. However, the foundation to all our endeavors is and must be communication. What we perceive and understand with the photon and electron remains..." more |
Evaluation of a Prototype BF-DF-Oblique-Circular Oblique Lighting (BF-DF-Obl-COL) Condenser
Ted Clarke, Scientific Photographer and Instrument Maker 9/23/2004
|
" Introduction An earlier article on ModernMicroscopy.com, Machining a Darkfield Insert for the Olympus BH2 1.25 NA Condenser, noted that the darkfield inserts were made for Peter Cooke (MICA, Chicago, IL) to be used to teach..." more |
A Microscopical Study of Exotic Animal Hairs: Part 2
Kristen D. Partin, McCrone Associates, Westmont, IL 8/19/2004
|
" Brookfield Zoo, Brookfield, Illinois, has been exceptionally cooperative and generous with the collection of hairs from an array of animals at their zoo. Several samples were examined and “A Microscopical Study Of Exotic Animal..." more
|
Hand-Sectioning and Identification of Pressure-Sensitive Tapes
Anna S. Teetsov, & Mary L. Stellmack, McCrone Associates, Westmont, IL 6/30/2004
|
" Introduction Pressure-sensitive adhesive tapes are encountered in criminal investigations as evidence from a crime scene, in document examinations as residues or contaminants on the documents in question, ..." more |
Pixel Array Size Needed to Replace Photomicrographs on Film
Ted Clarke, Scientific Photographer and Instrument Maker 2/1/2004
|
" INTRODUCTION Some of you may have read previous articles by me in “Microscopy Today” and know that I am a strong proponent of digital imaging for photomicrographs and photomacrographs. I require that the digital images match the..." more |
A Microscopical Study of Exotic Animal Hair: Part 1 REVISED
Kristen D. Partin, McCrone Associates, Westmont, IL 10/23/2003 (revised 7/7/2004)
|
" The wild animal realm is one in which a microscopist may never even think to focus on. Brookfield Zoo, Brookfield, IL, is the home to numerous exotic animals from all over the world. A collection of animal hairs from an array..." more |
Spectral Comparison of Commercial and Synthesized Tyrian Purple
Darlene Florence, McCrone Associates, Westmont, IL and Elmhurst College, Elmhurst, IL 11/18/2003
|
" A rare and expensive dye of antiquity, Tyrian purple, extracted from a marine mollusk, was used nearly exclusively by kings, noblemen, judges and high-ranking officials. Characterization by FTIR and Raman spectroscopy provides a basis for future comparison of samples..." more |
McCrone Microscopes & Accessories: The Microscopist's Partner- A Historical Perspective
Charles A. Zona, Director of Education, College of Microscopy, Westmont, IL
Bonnie L. Betty, McCrone Associates, Westmont, IL 10/9/2003
|
" Abstract The Instruments Division of McCrone Associates was formed in the early 1960’s by Dr. Walter C. McCrone, who wanted to offer industrial microscopists a single source for their microscope accessories and supplies, rather than purchasing them through..." more |
Microscopical Evaluation of Glass Delamination In Pharmaceutical Vials: A Look at Three Different Vial Manufacturers
Kristie J. Diebold, McCrone Associates, Westmont, IL 10/20/2003
|
"Delamination is defined as separation into constituent thin layers (lamellae). Glass delamination, which can have several causes, could then be defined as a separation of surface glass, as from a vial, into thin layers resulting in a flaky appearance. Pitting..." more |
Contaminant Identification in Pharmaceutical Products
Gretchen L. Shearer, Ph.D., McCrone Associates, Westmont, IL 10/16/2003
|
" This article is republished from The Microscope, Vol 51:1, 3-10 (2003) Abstract Most pharmaceutical products are specified to be essentially free of visible particles and there are limits on the number of subvisible particles..." more
|
@ The Eye Point
Musings on the science and art of microscopy by John Gustav Delly.
The Literature of Classical Microchemistry, Spot Tests, and Chemical Microscopy
John Gustav Delly, Scientific Advisor, McCrone Associates, Westmont, IL
2/26/2006
The Literature of Classical Microchemistry, Spot Tests, and Chemical Microscopy
John Gustav Delly, Scientific Advisor, McCrone Associates, Westmont, IL, 4/20/2004
MICROSCOPICAL BOOKPLATES (EX LIBRIS)
John Gustav Delly, Scientific Advisor, McCrone Associates, Westmont, IL 7/10/2003
The Michel-Lévy Interference Color Chart – Microscopy’s Magical Color Key
John Gustav Delly, Scientific Advisor, McCrone Associates, Westmont, IL
"Locard Exchange" articles
Microscopy in the world of forensic science and criminal investigation.
An Exchange in Locard’s Own Words (Part 3) 7/30/2006
An Exchange in Locard’s Own Words (Part 2) 2/27/2006
An Exchange in Locard’s Own Words (Part 1) 10/17/2005
Introduction to Microscopical Geo-Sourcing:
Part 2 - Combustion Products
John Gustav Delly, Scientific Advisor, McCrone Associates, Westmont, IL 6/1/2004
Introduction to Microscopical Geo-Sourcing:
Part 1 - Minerals
John Gustav Delly, Scientific Advisor, McCrone Associates, Westmont, IL 4/2/2004
The Science of Forensic Hair Comparisons and the Admissibility of Hair Comparison Evidence: Frye and Daubert Considered
Max M. Houck, West Virginia University
Richard E. Bisbing, McCrone Associates, Westmont, IL
Tani G. Watkins, Michigan State Police Laboratory
Rockne P. Harmon, Alameda County District Attorney's Office 3/2/2004
Fractured Patterns: Microscopical Investigation of Real Physical Evidence
Richard E. Bisbing, McCrone Associates, Westmont, IL 1/29/2004
Microscopic Evidence from the Other Side of the International Dateline
Ryoji Iwamoto, Assistant Director, Scientific Investigation Laboratory, Aomari Prefectural Police HQ, Shinmachi, Aomori-shi, Japan 10/30/2003
"Microscopy in the Home Shop"
Projects for the handy microscopist.
REVISED Constructing a Scanning Light Photomacrography System
Ted Clarke, Scientific Photographer and Instrument Maker 3/13/2005 (revised 6/10/2006)
Electronic Flash System for a Microscope
Ron Neumeyer 1/11/2005
Let There Be Light - The Sequel. - Good Bye Lamp House!
Ron Neumeyer 7/27/2004
Let There Be Light: Scoping with Fibre Optics
Ron Neumeyer 3/20/2004
Lateral Chromatic Aberration from Using a Noncompensating Coolpix Adapter with a BH2 Microscope
Ted Clarke, Scientific Photographer and Instrument Maker 2/1/2004
Developing a Coolpix® Adapter for the Olympus BH2
Ted Clarke, Scientific Photographer and Instrument Maker 9/2/2003
Machining a Darkfield Insert for the Olympus 1.25 NA BH2 Condenser
Ted Clarke, Scientific Photographer and Instrument Maker 7/5/2003
”True Colors"
The use of microscopy in art conservation and authentication.
Resources for Paint Pigment Microscopists
Joe G. Barabe, McCrone Associates, Westmont, IL 6/30/2004
The Microscope in Art Conservation and Authentication Studies
Joe G. Barabe, McCrone Associates, Westmont, IL 11/9/2003
”How To" Tutorial
In-depth explorations and explanations of microscopic research techniques.
How to Make/Modify and Use an Alcohol Lamp REVISED
John Gustav Delly, Scientific Advisor, McCrone Associates, Westmont, IL
10/29/2007 (revised 1/15/2008)
Universal Stage Use on the Olympus BX51-Pol Microscope REVISED
John Gustav Delly, Scientific Advisor, McCrone Associates, Westmont, IL 7/18/2007 (revised 10/20/2007)
Sénarmont Compensation: How to Accurately Measure Small Relative Retardations (0-1λ) REVISED
John Gustav Delly, Scientific Advisor, McCrone Associates, Westmont, IL 7/5/2003
(revised 2/18/2004)
Application Note: Sputter Reduction of Iron Oxide
Kent R. Rhodes, Ph.D., McCrone Associates, Inc. Westmont, IL 2/27/2006
Application Note: Analysis of Iron Oxidation States by XPS
Kent R. Rhodes, Ph.D., McCrone Associates, Inc. Westmont, IL 12/1/2005
A Webcam Looking Through the Microscope
Jan Hinsch 9/6/2004
About the Use of Digital Single Lens Reflex Cameras on Microscopes
Jan Hinsch 2/2/2004
How to Make and Use a Simple Microspectroscopic Eyepiece
John Gustav Delly, Scientific Advisor, McCrone Associates, Westmont, IL 7/7/2003
"Prep School"
Tools and techniques for isolating, characterizing, & preparing micrometer particles for further analysis.
Micro-Extraction of Soluble Components from Small Particles for Infrared Analysis
Anna S. Teetsov, McCrone Associates, Westmont, IL
6/10/2006
Micro-Extraction of Soluble Components from Small Particles for Infrared Analysis
Anna S. Teetsov, McCrone Associates, Westmont, IL 6/10/2006
How to Cleave, Polish, & Use KBr Crystals
Anna S. Teetsov, McCrone Associates, Westmont, IL 1/31/2005
Quarter-Razor Blade for Hand-Sectioning
Anna S. Teetsov, McCrone Associates, Westmont, IL 8/10/2004
A Custom-Made Diamond Scribe for Particle Manipulation
Anna S. Teetsov, McCrone Associates, Westmont, IL 8/1/2004
Uses for Flexible Collodion in the Analysis of Small Particles
Anna S. Teetsov, McCrone Associates, Westmont, IL 7/9/2004
Introduction to Prep School
Anna S. Teetsov, McCrone Associates, Westmont, IL 7/5/2004
"Book Review"
Reviews of books related to microscopy and forensic science.
7/25/2007
Fundamentals of Forensic Science
Reviewed by Richard E. Bisbing
2/26/2006
CRC Handbook of Chemistry and Physics on CD
Reviewed by John Gustav Delly, Scientific Advisor
12/20/2005
A Catalogue of the Microscopy Collections at the Science Museum, London
Reviewed by John Gustav Delly, Scientific Advisor
10/10/2005
Characterization and Failure Analysis of Plastics
Reviewed by Jeffrey M. Hollifield
5/15/2005
Detecting Foreign Bodies in Food
Reviewed by Joe G. Barabe
2/9/2005
The Amateur Diatomist
Reviewed by John Gustav Delly, Scientific Advisor
1/20/2005
Freshwater Algae of North America; Ecology and Classification
Reviewed by John Gustav Delly, Scientific Advisor
10/11/2004
Silent Evidence: Firearms (Forensic Ballistics) and Toolmarks: Cases from Forensic Science
Reviewed by Richard E. Bisbing
7/5/2004
Evidence from the Earth: Forensic Geology and Criminal Investigation
Reviewed by Richard E. Bisbing
3/20/2004
Color Atlas and Manual of Microscopy for Criminalists, Chemists, and Conservators
2/17/2004
"The Petrographic Microscope: Evolution of a Mineralogical Research Instrument" by Daniel E. Kile
Reviewed by John Gustav Delly, Scientific Advisor
2/17/2004
"Metallographic Polishing by Mechanical Methods", Fourth Ed. by Leonard E. Samuals
Reviewed by John Gustav Delly, Scientific Advisor
7/5/2003
"Rapid Spot Testing of Metals, Alloys and Coatings" by Andrew Holmes
Reviewed by John Gustav Delly, Scientific Advisor