Category Archives: Microbiology

Overcoming a Microscope’s Shallow Depth of Focus

Posted on 14 May 2012 by

One of the most frustrating aspects of imaging through a microscope is the shallow depth of focus, especially at higher magnifications. Now, thanks to the wonderful world of software, this problem can be virtually eliminated. Continue reading →

Posted in Best Practices, Biology, Instrumentation, Microbiology, Microscopy, Research Tools | 2 Comments

A DIY Stereo-Zoom Microscope

Posted on 5 May 2012 by

A stereo-zoom microscope is a stereoscopic microscope in which the variation of magnification is continuous. What is the main advantage of such an instrument? It is to be able to adjust the magnification to suit yourself. Continue reading →

Posted in Instrumentation, Invention, Microbiology, Microscopy, Optics, Projects | 1 Comment

What’s Really Up With Roundup?

Posted on 17 March 2012 by

Last Monday I posted about how Monsanto’s popular herbicide Roundup has led to the development of super-weeds. Since then I’ve seen some additional articles, and friends have sent me some links to articles that lay a multitude of ills at the feet of this product or, more to the point, its active ingredient Glyphosate. Continue reading →

Posted in Biology, Botany, Environment, Experimentation, Microbiology, Projects, Science Fair | Leave a comment

Citizen Science Musings: Of Artists and Scientists

Posted on 27 February 2012 by

Last night’s ceremony made reference, as they always do, to the science and technology behind the art of making movies. And this got me thinking about the relationship between science and art throughout history. Continue reading →

Posted in Astronomy, Citizen Science Musings, Computer Science, History of Science, Invention, Makers and Making, Microbiology, Photography | Leave a comment

A Field Guide to Ely’s Photo

Posted on 7 February 2012 by

At the end of my write-up on Ely Silk’s prize winning photograph, I suggested that he might give us a “tour” through the twelve photos that make up the larger composite image. I am pleased to report that Ely has obliged, and provided this explanation for our readers… Continue reading →

Posted in Biology, Microbiology, Microscopy, Photography | 2 Comments

A Winning Photo

Posted on 5 February 2012 by

Last Friday I got an email from Ely Silk, a long-time supporter of amateur science and an outstanding practitioner himself. He contributed some wonderful microphotography to The Citizen Scientist back in the day. Continue reading →

Posted in Amateur Science, Biology, Microbiology, Microscopy, Photography | 2 Comments

Merismopedia Mug Shot

Posted on 27 October 2011 by

Photo of cynaobacteria, genus Merismopedia. Continue reading →

Posted in Biology, Microbiology, Microscopy, Photography | Leave a comment

World’s Largest Virus Discovered

Posted on 16 October 2011 by

A team of researchers trawling the ocean floor have just published their findings of the world’s new largest virus, found lurking off the coast of Las Cruces, Chile. It’s so big, it’s actual scientific name is Megavirus chilensis — and you can even view it with a basic light microscope. Continue reading →

Posted in Biology, Breaking News, Microbiology | Leave a comment

New Petri Dish Gives Real-time Updates

Posted on 12 October 2011 by

Monitoring Petri dishes is not a particularly exciting aspect of microbiology. It is tedious and time-consuming Michael Elowitz, a professor of biology at Caltech explains, “With ePetri, it’s like getting continuous tweets from the cells rather than an occasional postcard.” Continue reading →

Posted in Biology, Invention, Microbiology, Microscopy | 2 Comments