Adam Larson

<figure class="wp-block-image">
 <img alt="DNAdrops" class="wp-image-120355 gcloudimg" data-attachment-id="120355" data-comments-opened="1" data-image-meta='{"aperture":"2.2","credit":"","camera":"iPhone SE","caption":"","created_timestamp":"1546777361","copyright":"","focal_length":"4.15","iso":"80","shutter_speed":"0.03030303030303","title":"","orientation":"1"}' data-image-title="DNAdrops" src="https://storage.googleapis.com/microcosmosdelta.appspot.com/images/transfer_120345/DNAdrops.jpg"/>
 <figcaption>
 Mixing a bacterially expressed chromatin binding protein with a large piece of DNA results in
 
 the formation of chromatin droplets that separate themselves from the surrounding liquid, like oil in a puddle.
 </figcaption>
</figure>


<figure class="wp-block-image">
 <img alt="DNAdrops2" class="wp-image-120356 gcloudimg" data-attachment-id="120356" data-comments-opened="1" data-image-meta='{"aperture":"2.2","credit":"","camera":"iPhone SE","caption":"","created_timestamp":"1546777380","copyright":"","focal_length":"4.15","iso":"80","shutter_speed":"0.03030303030303","title":"","orientation":"0"}' data-image-title="DNAdrops2" src="https://storage.googleapis.com/microcosmosdelta.appspot.com/images/transfer_120345/DNAdrops2.jpg"/>
 <figcaption>
 If you look carefully, you can spot a merging event of 2 droplets from the above picture
 </figcaption>
</figure>
<figure class="wp-block-video">
 <video alt="phase_11.mp4" class="gcloudimg" controls="" src="https://storage.googleapis.com/microcosmosdelta.appspot.com/images/transfer_120345/phase_11.mp4">
 </video>
 <figcaption>
 The droplets flow and interact with themselves and their surroundings in very interesting ways.
 </figcaption>
</figure>


<figure class="wp-block-video">
 <video alt="phase_22-1.mp4" class="gcloudimg" controls="" src="https://storage.googleapis.com/microcosmosdelta.appspot.com/images/transfer_120345/phase_22-1.mp4">
 </video>
 <figcaption>
 It’s possible events such as these could happen on the microscale inside the nuclei of our cells, helping organize our genomes.
 </figcaption>
</figure>

Chromatin Condensates

<figure class="wp-block-image">
 <img alt="UNADJUSTEDNONRAW_thumb_d27" class="wp-image-142093 gcloudimg" data-attachment-id="142093" data-comments-opened="1" data-image-meta='{"aperture":"0","credit":"","camera":"","caption":"","created_timestamp":"0","copyright":"","focal_length":"0","iso":"0","shutter_speed":"0","title":"","orientation":"0"}' data-image-title="UNADJUSTEDNONRAW_thumb_d27" src="https://storage.googleapis.com/microcosmosdelta.appspot.com/images/transfer_142086/UNADJUSTEDNONRAW_thumb_d27.jpg"/>
 <figcaption>
 A quick Foldscope session on the ferry through the fjord revealed a surprising diversity of diatoms. All from small splash pools on the ferry deck.
 </figcaption>
</figure>
<figure class="wp-block-image">
 <img alt="IMG_4075" class="wp-image-142094 gcloudimg" data-attachment-id="142094" data-comments-opened="1" data-image-meta='{"aperture":"2.2","credit":"","camera":"iPhone SE","caption":"","created_timestamp":"1554910229","copyright":"","focal_length":"4.15","iso":"25","shutter_speed":"0.0030581039755352","title":"","orientation":"6"}' data-image-title="IMG_4075" src="https://storage.googleapis.com/microcosmosdelta.appspot.com/images/transfer_142086/IMG_4075.jpg"/>
</figure>
<figure class="wp-block-image">
 <img alt="IMG_4083" class="wp-image-142096 gcloudimg" data-attachment-id="142096" data-comments-opened="1" data-image-meta='{"aperture":"2.2","credit":"","camera":"iPhone SE","caption":"","created_timestamp":"1554911534","copyright":"","focal_length":"4.15","iso":"25","shutter_speed":"0.0012224938875306","title":"","orientation":"6"}' data-image-title="IMG_4083" src="https://storage.googleapis.com/microcosmosdelta.appspot.com/images/transfer_142086/IMG_4083.jpg"/>
</figure>
<figure class="wp-block-image">
 <img alt="IMG_4095" class="wp-image-142102 gcloudimg" data-attachment-id="142102" data-comments-opened="1" data-image-meta='{"aperture":"2.2","credit":"","camera":"iPhone SE","caption":"","created_timestamp":"1554912035","copyright":"","focal_length":"4.15","iso":"125","shutter_speed":"0.03030303030303","title":"","orientation":"6"}' data-image-title="IMG_4095" src="https://storage.googleapis.com/microcosmosdelta.appspot.com/images/transfer_142086/IMG_4095-1.jpg"/>
 <figcaption>
 On the ferry was a truck loaded with nets for the salmon farms. The farms are everywhere in the fjords. Their relationship with diatoms, dinoflagellates, and other algae is extremely important and still not understood. Amazing to think how the microscopic organisms seen under the Foldscope are the basis of a food chain important not only ecologically, but very much so economically.
 </figcaption>
</figure>
<figure class="wp-block-image">
 <img alt="UNADJUSTEDNONRAW_thumb_d5e" class="wp-image-142107 gcloudimg" data-attachment-id="142107" data-comments-opened="1" data-image-meta='{"aperture":"0","credit":"","camera":"","caption":"","created_timestamp":"0","copyright":"","focal_length":"0","iso":"0","shutter_speed":"0","title":"","orientation":"0"}' data-image-title="UNADJUSTEDNONRAW_thumb_d5e" src="https://storage.googleapis.com/microcosmosdelta.appspot.com/images/transfer_142086/UNADJUSTEDNONRAW_thumb_d5e.jpg"/>
 <figcaption>
 Our first day of sampling was close to a shellfish farm and a salmon farm, both which rely on the delicate balance of microalgae for survival and a successful harvest. We will check back in when we have surveyed the water samples and share what we find. !Goodbye from Chile¡
 </figcaption>
</figure>

Day 1-2:Puerto Montt to Huinay #fjordbiología #chilefoldscope #MicroToxMap

<figure class="wp-block-image">
 <img alt="IMG_4150" class="wp-image-142490 gcloudimg" data-attachment-id="142490" data-comments-opened="1" data-image-meta='{"aperture":"2.2","credit":"","camera":"iPhone SE","caption":"","created_timestamp":"1555000647","copyright":"","focal_length":"4.15","iso":"25","shutter_speed":"0.00083194675540765","title":"","orientation":"6"}' data-image-title="IMG_4150" src="https://storage.googleapis.com/microcosmosdelta.appspot.com/images/transfer_142489/IMG_4150.jpg"/>
 <figcaption>
 Today we headed out into the fjords to take some depth samples for a transect between the marine station and the salmon and shellfish farms. It will be raining this week so the large layer of fresh water on the top of the fjord will surely be in flux, this can have a large impact on the plankton living within.
 </figcaption>
</figure>
<figure class="wp-block-image">
 <img alt="UNADJUSTEDNONRAW_thumb_d78" class="wp-image-142491 gcloudimg" data-attachment-id="142491" data-comments-opened="1" data-image-meta='{"aperture":"0","credit":"","camera":"","caption":"","created_timestamp":"0","copyright":"","focal_length":"0","iso":"0","shutter_speed":"0","title":"","orientation":"0"}' data-image-title="UNADJUSTEDNONRAW_thumb_d78" src="https://storage.googleapis.com/microcosmosdelta.appspot.com/images/transfer_142489/UNADJUSTEDNONRAW_thumb_d78.jpg"/>
</figure>
<figure class="wp-block-image">
 <img alt="UNADJUSTEDNONRAW_thumb_d6e" class="wp-image-142492 gcloudimg" data-attachment-id="142492" data-comments-opened="1" data-image-meta='{"aperture":"0","credit":"","camera":"","caption":"","created_timestamp":"0","copyright":"","focal_length":"0","iso":"0","shutter_speed":"0","title":"","orientation":"0"}' data-image-title="UNADJUSTEDNONRAW_thumb_d6e" src="https://storage.googleapis.com/microcosmosdelta.appspot.com/images/transfer_142489/UNADJUSTEDNONRAW_thumb_d6e.jpg"/>
 <figcaption>
 We found several different dinoflagellates. While working on classifying them, Jorge, a taxonomist working with microtoxmap, noticed several toxic species in the lower layers. We will need to understand more about the relative abundance, as well as the changes in numbers through time.
 </figcaption>
</figure>
<figure class="wp-block-image">
 <img alt="UNADJUSTEDNONRAW_thumb_d6c" class="wp-image-142493 gcloudimg" data-attachment-id="142493" data-comments-opened="1" data-image-meta='{"aperture":"0","credit":"","camera":"","caption":"","created_timestamp":"0","copyright":"","focal_length":"0","iso":"0","shutter_speed":"0","title":"","orientation":"0"}' data-image-title="UNADJUSTEDNONRAW_thumb_d6c" src="https://storage.googleapis.com/microcosmosdelta.appspot.com/images/transfer_142489/UNADJUSTEDNONRAW_thumb_d6c.jpg"/>
</figure>
<figure class="wp-block-image">
 <img alt="UNADJUSTEDNONRAW_thumb_d68" class="wp-image-142494 gcloudimg" data-attachment-id="142494" data-comments-opened="1" data-image-meta='{"aperture":"0","credit":"","camera":"","caption":"","created_timestamp":"0","copyright":"","focal_length":"0","iso":"0","shutter_speed":"0","title":"","orientation":"0"}' data-image-title="UNADJUSTEDNONRAW_thumb_d68" src="https://storage.googleapis.com/microcosmosdelta.appspot.com/images/transfer_142489/UNADJUSTEDNONRAW_thumb_d68.jpg"/>
</figure>

fjord phytoplankton #fjordbiología #chilefoldscope #MicroToxMap

<figure class="wp-block-image">
 <img alt="IMG_4467" class="wp-image-150688 gcloudimg" data-attachment-id="150688" data-comments-opened="1" data-image-meta='{"aperture":"2.2","credit":"","camera":"iPhone SE","caption":"","created_timestamp":"1558264810","copyright":"","focal_length":"4.15","iso":"25","shutter_speed":"0.00045495905368517","title":"","orientation":"6"}' data-image-title="IMG_4467" src="https://storage.googleapis.com/microcosmosdelta.appspot.com/images/transfer_150677/IMG_4467.jpg"/>
</figure>

 After a brief but substantial night storm in the bay we headed to East Beach to see what might have washed up on the shores before the tide came and returned it all to the depths. We found many sponges and dislodged kelp, the ever present plastics, and other large common drift.

<figure class="wp-block-image">
 <img alt="IMG_4469" class="wp-image-150678 gcloudimg" data-attachment-id="150678" data-comments-opened="1" data-image-meta='{"aperture":"2.2","credit":"","camera":"iPhone SE","caption":"","created_timestamp":"1558265009","copyright":"","focal_length":"4.15","iso":"25","shutter_speed":"0.00087108013937282","title":"","orientation":"6"}' data-image-title="IMG_4469" src="https://storage.googleapis.com/microcosmosdelta.appspot.com/images/transfer_150677/IMG_4469.jpg"/>
</figure>

 We also found some delicate larvae, but It was large and desperate to get back into the ocean, so I forewent foldscoping the tail.



<figure class="wp-block-image">
 <img alt="IMG_4450" class="wp-image-150680 gcloudimg" data-attachment-id="150680" data-comments-opened="1" data-image-meta='{"aperture":"2.2","credit":"","camera":"iPhone SE","caption":"","created_timestamp":"1558261547","copyright":"","focal_length":"4.15","iso":"25","shutter_speed":"0.00026001040041602","title":"","orientation":"6"}' data-image-title="IMG_4450" src="https://storage.googleapis.com/microcosmosdelta.appspot.com/images/transfer_150677/IMG_4450.jpg"/>
</figure>

 As we got close to a debris field near a pier several strange balls appeared scattered on the beach. They seemed to be oozing worm-like creatures.

<figure class="wp-block-image">
 <img alt="IMG_4452" class="wp-image-150681 gcloudimg" data-attachment-id="150681" data-comments-opened="1" data-image-meta='{"aperture":"2.2","credit":"","camera":"iPhone SE","caption":"","created_timestamp":"1558263825","copyright":"","focal_length":"4.15","iso":"25","shutter_speed":"0.00096153846153846","title":"","orientation":"6"}' data-image-title="IMG_4452" src="https://storage.googleapis.com/microcosmosdelta.appspot.com/images/transfer_150677/IMG_4452.jpg"/>
</figure>

 Investigation of the ‘ooze’ revealed some interesting creatures, with an obvious body plan but confusing composition. There appeared to be a gut, but the symmetry was confusing. It resembled Sea Pork, but was much more colorful than ones I had seen before.

<figure class="wp-block-image">
 <img alt="IMG_4453" class="wp-image-150684 gcloudimg" data-attachment-id="150684" data-comments-opened="1" data-image-meta='{"aperture":"2.2","credit":"","camera":"iPhone SE","caption":"","created_timestamp":"1558263981","copyright":"","focal_length":"4.15","iso":"25","shutter_speed":"0.033333333333333","title":"","orientation":"6"}' data-image-title="IMG_4453" src="https://storage.googleapis.com/microcosmosdelta.appspot.com/images/transfer_150677/IMG_4453.jpg"/>
</figure>


<figure class="wp-block-image">
 <img alt="IMG_4457" class="wp-image-150685 gcloudimg" data-attachment-id="150685" data-comments-opened="1" data-image-meta='{"aperture":"2.2","credit":"","camera":"iPhone SE","caption":"","created_timestamp":"1558264069","copyright":"","focal_length":"4.15","iso":"50","shutter_speed":"0.033333333333333","title":"","orientation":"6"}' data-image-title="IMG_4457" src="https://storage.googleapis.com/microcosmosdelta.appspot.com/images/transfer_150677/IMG_4457.jpg"/>
</figure>
<figure class="wp-block-image">
 <img alt="IMG_4460" class="wp-image-150683 gcloudimg" data-attachment-id="150683" data-comments-opened="1" data-image-meta='{"aperture":"2.2","credit":"","camera":"iPhone SE","caption":"","created_timestamp":"1558264098","copyright":"","focal_length":"4.15","iso":"32","shutter_speed":"0.033333333333333","title":"","orientation":"6"}' data-image-title="IMG_4460" src="https://storage.googleapis.com/microcosmosdelta.appspot.com/images/transfer_150677/IMG_4460.jpg"/>
</figure>
<figure class="wp-block-image">
 <img alt="IMG_4463" class="wp-image-150687 gcloudimg" data-attachment-id="150687" data-comments-opened="1" data-image-meta='{"aperture":"2.2","credit":"","camera":"iPhone SE","caption":"","created_timestamp":"1558264325","copyright":"","focal_length":"4.15","iso":"64","shutter_speed":"0.033333333333333","title":"","orientation":"6"}' data-image-title="IMG_4463" src="https://storage.googleapis.com/microcosmosdelta.appspot.com/images/transfer_150677/IMG_4463.jpg"/>
</figure>

 Any ideas on the origin? Tunicate colony? Sea Pork?

Post-storm Crissy Field East Beach anomalies

While visiting Oaxaca, we took a trip to Hierve el Agua, a set of ‘preserved waterfalls’, the result of a slow, many thousand year flow of water oversaturated with calcium carbonate. This creates a near white mineral formation that appears as a petrified flow. The springs that feed these flows had been used by the Zapotec people over 2500 years ago to irrigate the valley.

<figure class="wp-block-image">
 <img alt="aqua" class="wp-image-164011 gcloudimg" data-attachment-id="164011" data-comments-opened="1" data-image-meta='{"aperture":"0","credit":"","camera":"","caption":"","created_timestamp":"0","copyright":"","focal_length":"0","iso":"0","shutter_speed":"0","title":"","orientation":"1"}' data-image-title="aqua" src="https://storage.googleapis.com/microcosmosdelta.appspot.com/images/transfer_164005/aqua.jpg"/>
</figure>



 It’s waters are said to have many beneficial qualities. While exploring these pools we noticed the colored traces of other minerals, such as iron and silver.

<figure class="wp-block-image">
 <img alt="adan" class="wp-image-164012 gcloudimg" data-attachment-id="164012" data-comments-opened="1" data-image-meta='{"aperture":"1.8","credit":"","camera":"iPhone 8","caption":"","created_timestamp":"1563972115","copyright":"","focal_length":"3.99","iso":"25","shutter_speed":"0.00031201248049922","title":"","orientation":"1"}' data-image-title="adan" src="https://storage.googleapis.com/microcosmosdelta.appspot.com/images/transfer_164005/adan.jpg"/>
</figure>


<figure class="wp-block-image">
 <img alt="exploring" class="wp-image-164013 gcloudimg" data-attachment-id="164013" data-comments-opened="1" data-image-meta='{"aperture":"1.8","credit":"","camera":"iPhone 8","caption":"","created_timestamp":"1563972403","copyright":"","focal_length":"3.99","iso":"20","shutter_speed":"0.0002289901534234","title":"","orientation":"1"}' data-image-title="exploring" src="https://storage.googleapis.com/microcosmosdelta.appspot.com/images/transfer_164005/exploring.jpg"/>
</figure>

 Included in these pools were large patches of algae, which under the Foldscope revealed growth among large crystalline salt and mineral deposits. Within this algae was what appeared to be a small annelid that nimbly moved along by anchoring itself on the algae. Further searching revealed many of these organisms throughout the algae.

<figure class="wp-block-video">
 <video alt="Oaxacapools.mp4" class="gcloudimg" controls="" src="https://storage.googleapis.com/microcosmosdelta.appspot.com/images/transfer_164005/Oaxacapools.mp4">
 </video>
</figure>

 Any idea what this organism is? It definitely thrives in a pretty unique environment.

<ul class="wp-block-gallery columns-0 is-cropped" data-carousel-extra='{"blog_id":1,"permalink":"https:\/\/microcosmos.foldscope.com\/?p=164005"}'>
</ul>

Life above a Oaxacan petrified waterfall

<figure class="wp-block-image">
 <img alt="IMG_4258" class="wp-image-189743 gcloudimg" data-attachment-id="189743" data-comments-opened="1" data-image-meta='{"aperture":"2.2","credit":"","camera":"iPhone SE","caption":"","created_timestamp":"1584634861","copyright":"","focal_length":"4.15","iso":"25","shutter_speed":"0.004","title":"","orientation":"6"}' data-image-title="IMG_4258" src="https://storage.googleapis.com/microcosmosdelta.appspot.com/images/transfer_189742/IMG_4258.jpg"/>
 <figcaption>
 What is in an N95 mask, and how does it protect our healthcare workers against microscopic pathogens? To find out I deconstructed a broken N95 mask.
 </figcaption>
</figure>
<figure class="wp-block-image">
 <img alt="IMG_3743" class="wp-image-189744 gcloudimg" data-attachment-id="189744" data-comments-opened="1" data-image-meta='{"aperture":"2.2","credit":"","camera":"iPhone SE","caption":"","created_timestamp":"1584638941","copyright":"","focal_length":"4.15","iso":"200","shutter_speed":"0.033333333333333","title":"","orientation":"6"}' data-image-title="IMG_3743" src="https://storage.googleapis.com/microcosmosdelta.appspot.com/images/transfer_189742/IMG_3743.jpg"/>
</figure>

 The mask is composed of 4 layers, the bottom being the layer most exposed to external environments. They are bonded together on the exterior. Inner layers are often treated with metal ions which interact with viral particles to trap them inside. These masks are rated to trap most particles (95%) that are larger than 300µm. This is why they are most needed by healthcare workers in pathogen filled environments.

<figure class="wp-block-image">
 <img alt="IMG_3779" class="wp-image-189745 gcloudimg" data-attachment-id="189745" data-comments-opened="1" data-image-meta='{"aperture":"2.2","credit":"","camera":"iPhone SE","caption":"","created_timestamp":"1584638251","copyright":"","focal_length":"4.15","iso":"200","shutter_speed":"0.041666666666667","title":"","orientation":"1"}' data-image-title="IMG_3779" src="https://storage.googleapis.com/microcosmosdelta.appspot.com/images/transfer_189742/IMG_3779.jpg"/>
 <figcaption>
 The outer layer has fairly thick fibers of polypropylene and perforations.
 </figcaption>
</figure>
<figure class="wp-block-image">
 <img alt="IMG_0497" class="wp-image-189746 gcloudimg" data-attachment-id="189746" data-comments-opened="1" data-image-meta='{"aperture":"2.2","credit":"","camera":"iPhone SE","caption":"","created_timestamp":"1584638679","copyright":"","focal_length":"4.15","iso":"160","shutter_speed":"0.033333333333333","title":"","orientation":"1"}' data-image-title="IMG_0497" src="https://storage.googleapis.com/microcosmosdelta.appspot.com/images/transfer_189742/IMG_0497.jpg"/>
 <figcaption>
 Inside the mask, beyond the outer layer, is a stiff layer of large polyester fibers.
 </figcaption>
</figure>
<figure class="wp-block-image">
 <img alt="IMG_3783" class="wp-image-189747 gcloudimg" data-attachment-id="189747" data-comments-opened="1" data-image-meta='{"aperture":"2.2","credit":"","camera":"iPhone SE","caption":"","created_timestamp":"1584638429","copyright":"","focal_length":"4.15","iso":"400","shutter_speed":"0.066666666666667","title":"","orientation":"1"}' data-image-title="IMG_3783" src="https://storage.googleapis.com/microcosmosdelta.appspot.com/images/transfer_189742/IMG_3783.jpg"/>
 <figcaption>
 Behind this stiff layer of large filaments is a very dense pillowy network of melt blown polypropylene. This would be the main protection against submicron sized particles.
 </figcaption>
</figure>
<figure class="wp-block-image">
 <img alt="IMG_3785" class="wp-image-189748 gcloudimg" data-attachment-id="189748" data-comments-opened="1" data-image-meta='{"aperture":"2.2","credit":"","camera":"iPhone SE","caption":"","created_timestamp":"1584638606","copyright":"","focal_length":"4.15","iso":"200","shutter_speed":"0.066666666666667","title":"","orientation":"1"}' data-image-title="IMG_3785" src="https://storage.googleapis.com/microcosmosdelta.appspot.com/images/transfer_189742/IMG_3785.jpg"/>
 <figcaption>
 The final layer next to the users mouth is mesh of different sized fibers, ranging from thick down to very fine.
 </figcaption>
</figure>

How does an N95 mask protect against pathogens?

Adam Larson

Earth

Posts

Post-storm Crissy Field East Beach anomalies

Life above a Oaxacan petrified waterfall

How does an N95 mask protect against pathogens?

Exploratorium exploration

Chromatin Condensates

Day 1-2:Puerto Montt to Huinay #fjordbiología #chilefoldscope #MicroToxMap

fjord phytoplankton #fjordbiología #chilefoldscope #MicroToxMap

Post-storm Crissy Field East Beach anomalies

Life above a Oaxacan petrified waterfall

How does an N95 mask protect against pathogens?

Exploratorium exploration

Chromatin Condensates

Day 1-2:Puerto Montt to Huinay #fjordbiología #chilefoldscope #MicroToxMap

fjord phytoplankton #fjordbiología #chilefoldscope #MicroToxMap

Post-storm Crissy Field East Beach anomalies

Life above a Oaxacan petrified waterfall

How does an N95 mask protect against pathogens?

Exploratorium exploration

Locations

Statistics

Type of Sample

Foldscope Lens Magnification