Spring
flowers and pollen germination - a web resource carefully compiled
by Chris Thomas (UK) to report the results of his fascinating and informative
study of pollen germination for a wide range of spring flowers.
The simple technique of germinating
pollen on onion skins and ease of monitoring the results, offers plenty
of scope for projects both for school students and microscopy enthusiasts.
For readers with lower resolution
(800x600 or less) and/or smaller screens, a no-frame
version is available. Close
down separate browser window to return here when finished.
Group
portrait of microorganisms. Making an art work for the Natuurmuseum, Rotterdam
- Wim van Egmond has created a stunning display of smaller aquatic life
on glass panels for this museum in The Netherlands. The behind the scenes
work involved is described and the delightful portraits of each organism
are shown.
35
mm photomicrography techniques: Automated focus and exposure - Larry
Jenkins (USA) has built an ingenious dedicated electronic flash unit that
automatically controls exposure and also a camera adaptor that is parfocal
with the eyepiece view. The project details and some results are shown.
A
pocket full of microorganisms - David Richman (USA) shares some stunning
coloured plates from Pritchard's 1845 book 'History of Infusoria, Living
and Fossil'.
A
simple design works just fine. A Microset from the 1930s. -
Guido Santacana (Puerto Rico) describes a simple but functional microscope
set from the pre-WWII era.
Daphnia
collecting techniques and discoveries Part IV - Howard Webb (USA) describes
some homemade collecting and filtering equipment for studying water fleas
and other larger plankton.
The
condenser. None too technical thoughts concerning the brightfield condenser
- Paul James (UK) gives a useful overview of some condenser designs and
discusses their features and limitations.
Troglodytes
- Bill Amos (USA) reflects on the intriguing smaller fauna and flora that
have adapted to cave life.
Actinophrys,
a well known sun animalcule - Chitchai Chantangsi (Thailand) describes
and illustrates this beautiful microorganism.
Notes
on choosing the correct eyepiece and relay lens for photomicrography with
digital cameras - Ted Clarke (USA) shows with examples the importance
of correctly matching optics in digital photography.
How
to form a minifera - Richard Howey (USA) shares some practical tips
for collecting and observing foraminifera; a fascinating group of microorganisms.
Microscopy
links - Gordon Couger (USA) has compiled a useful selection of links
to microscopy web sites with a particular emphasis on those dealing with
practical topics. To be updated by the author and suggestions for sites
to add are welcomed.
