Manan Suri

I recently was exploring a Herbal Garden maintained by the municipal corporation near my home. It has a small lotus pond, which blooms for some part of the year. I found filamentous layers of certain algae near the surface and I picked a small sample from them.

<figure class="wp-block-image">
 <img alt="IMG_20190628_174601" class="wp-image-160111 gcloudimg" data-attachment-id="160111" data-comments-opened="1" data-image-meta='{"aperture":"2.2","credit":"","camera":"Redmi Note 5","caption":"","created_timestamp":"1561743961","copyright":"","focal_length":"3.81","iso":"320","shutter_speed":"0.02","title":"","orientation":"0"}' data-image-title="IMG_20190628_174601" src="https://storage.googleapis.com/microcosmosdelta.appspot.com/images/transfer_159215/IMG_20190628_174601.jpg"/>
 <figcaption>
 the artificial pond that is source of the sample
 </figcaption>
</figure>

 I made a slide out of it, and saw amazing details under the foldscope.



<figure class="wp-block-image">
 <img alt="WhatsApp Image 2019-06-20 at 9.09.40 PM" class="wp-image-159216 gcloudimg" data-attachment-id="159216" 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="WhatsApp Image 2019-06-20 at 9.09.40 PM" src="https://storage.googleapis.com/microcosmosdelta.appspot.com/images/transfer_159215/WhatsApp-Image-2019-06-20-at-9.09.40-PM.jpeg"/>
 <figcaption>
 The sample that I used.
 </figcaption>
</figure>
<figure class="wp-block-image">
 <img alt="WhatsApp Image 2019-06-20 at 9.11.46 PM" class="wp-image-159217 gcloudimg" data-attachment-id="159217" 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="WhatsApp Image 2019-06-20 at 9.11.46 PM" src="https://storage.googleapis.com/microcosmosdelta.appspot.com/images/transfer_159215/WhatsApp-Image-2019-06-20-at-9.11.46-PM.jpeg"/>
 <figcaption>
 The slide itself, where i used a single filament of the algae.
 </figcaption>
</figure>
<figure class="wp-block-image">
 <img alt="WhatsApp Image 2019-06-20 at 9.09.52 PM" class="wp-image-159219 gcloudimg" data-attachment-id="159219" data-comments-opened="1" data-image-meta='{"aperture":"0","credit":"","camera":"","caption":"","created_timestamp":"1561079810","copyright":"","focal_length":"0","iso":"0","shutter_speed":"0","title":"","orientation":"1"}' data-image-title="WhatsApp Image 2019-06-20 at 9.09.52 PM" data-recalc-dims="1" src="https://storage.googleapis.com/microcosmosdelta.appspot.com/images/transfer_159215/WhatsApp-Image-2019-06-20-at-9.09.52-PM-1.jpeg"/>
</figure>
<figure class="wp-block-image">
 <img alt="WhatsApp Image 2019-06-20 at 9.10.05 PM" class="wp-image-159220 gcloudimg" data-attachment-id="159220" data-comments-opened="1" data-image-meta='{"aperture":"0","credit":"","camera":"","caption":"","created_timestamp":"1561080093","copyright":"","focal_length":"0","iso":"0","shutter_speed":"0","title":"","orientation":"1"}' data-image-title="WhatsApp Image 2019-06-20 at 9.10.05 PM" data-recalc-dims="1" src="https://storage.googleapis.com/microcosmosdelta.appspot.com/images/transfer_159215/WhatsApp-Image-2019-06-20-at-9.10.05-PM.jpeg"/>
 <figcaption>
 Magnified using the phone option. I wonder what is that protruding on the sides.
 </figcaption>
</figure>
<figure class="wp-block-image">
 <img alt="WhatsApp Image 2019-06-20 at 9.10.39 PM" class="wp-image-159221 gcloudimg" data-attachment-id="159221" data-comments-opened="1" data-image-meta='{"aperture":"0","credit":"","camera":"","caption":"","created_timestamp":"1561080095","copyright":"","focal_length":"0","iso":"0","shutter_speed":"0","title":"","orientation":"1"}' data-image-title="WhatsApp Image 2019-06-20 at 9.10.39 PM" data-recalc-dims="1" src="https://storage.googleapis.com/microcosmosdelta.appspot.com/images/transfer_159215/WhatsApp-Image-2019-06-20-at-9.10.39-PM.jpeg"/>
</figure>

 I would love to have some feedback, and learning a little about the structures I’ve observed.


 Manan

Filamentous Algae from an artificial pond

I recently came across a flower, with pink petals, and a conical strcuture as the central whorl full of small and minute stamen. I couldnt pluck the flower, but using the forceps, I took out a bunch of stamen. I observed distinctly the filament, and also while observing the anther, I saw certain portions with spherical pollen grain still inside the pollen sac. It was insightful to look at the structures and learn in greater depth.

<figure class="wp-block-image">
 <img alt="WhatsApp Image 2019-06-20 at 10.47.43 PM" class="wp-image-159228 gcloudimg" data-attachment-id="159228" 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="WhatsApp Image 2019-06-20 at 10.47.43 PM" src="https://storage.googleapis.com/microcosmosdelta.appspot.com/images/transfer_159227/WhatsApp-Image-2019-06-20-at-10.47.43-PM.jpeg"/>
 <figcaption>
 The stamen observed under the hand lens.
 </figcaption>
</figure>
<figure class="wp-block-image">
 <img alt="WhatsApp Image 2019-06-20 at 9.57.24 PM" class="wp-image-159229 gcloudimg" data-attachment-id="159229" data-comments-opened="1" data-image-meta='{"aperture":"0","credit":"","camera":"","caption":"","created_timestamp":"1561080881","copyright":"","focal_length":"0","iso":"0","shutter_speed":"0","title":"","orientation":"1"}' data-image-title="WhatsApp Image 2019-06-20 at 9.57.24 PM" data-recalc-dims="1" src="https://storage.googleapis.com/microcosmosdelta.appspot.com/images/transfer_159227/WhatsApp-Image-2019-06-20-at-9.57.24-PM.jpeg"/>
 <figcaption>
 Filament near its junction with the anther.
 
 
 </figcaption>
</figure>
<figure class="wp-block-image">
 <img alt="WhatsApp Image 2019-06-20 at 9.57.55 PM" class="wp-image-159230 gcloudimg" data-attachment-id="159230" data-comments-opened="1" data-image-meta='{"aperture":"0","credit":"","camera":"","caption":"","created_timestamp":"1561080878","copyright":"","focal_length":"0","iso":"0","shutter_speed":"0","title":"","orientation":"1"}' data-image-title="WhatsApp Image 2019-06-20 at 9.57.55 PM" data-recalc-dims="1" src="https://storage.googleapis.com/microcosmosdelta.appspot.com/images/transfer_159227/WhatsApp-Image-2019-06-20-at-9.57.55-PM.jpeg"/>
 <figcaption>
 Pollen as observed inside the anther
 </figcaption>
</figure>
<figure class="wp-block-image">
 <img alt="Screenshot_2019-06-21-01-39-08-122_com.miui.gallery" class="wp-image-159231 gcloudimg" data-attachment-id="159231" 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="Screenshot_2019-06-21-01-39-08-122_com.miui.gallery" src="https://storage.googleapis.com/microcosmosdelta.appspot.com/images/transfer_159227/Screenshot_2019-06-21-01-39-08-122_com.miui_.gallery.png"/>
</figure>

 I had some wuestions, like in the picture of the single pollen grain, is the smaller darker structure the nucleus, or the generative cell within the vegetative cell.




 Manan

Stamen- With pollen inside pollen sacs

Aloe, is a plant with fleshy leaves and these leaves contain a jelly like substance. It’s quote popular for its cooling and detoxifying effect on the skin, so when my mom asked my to pouch a leaf of aloe to create a face pack, I took the remaining leaf, and using a needle+shear stress on the leaf by tearing, I was able to take out the almost transparent layer of epidermis.


 I used a candle light as a source of illumination at that time, so the picture is in warm shades.


 The slide showed stomatal apparatus in the form of dark spots.




 What interested me more was how the cells appeared to be granular. Can we determine what cell organelle caused such an appearance.




 Manan

<figure class="wp-block-image">
 <img alt="Screenshot_2019-06-21-02-22-55-241_com.whatsapp" class="wp-image-159236 gcloudimg" data-attachment-id="159236" 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="Screenshot_2019-06-21-02-22-55-241_com.whatsapp" src="https://storage.googleapis.com/microcosmosdelta.appspot.com/images/transfer_159235/Screenshot_2019-06-21-02-22-55-241_com.whatsapp.png"/>
</figure>

Aloe-

An onion at my home started showing roots, so I decided to try and grow a plant from it. I partially immersed the growing root tips in water before transplanting it to a garden pot.


 But within a week or two, I noticed my plant wasn’t growing at all; rather there was rapid senescence and drying of the leaves. So I decided to investigate it.

<figure class="wp-block-image">
 <img alt="WhatsApp Image 2019-03-09 at 4.58.05 PM" class="wp-image-160104 gcloudimg" data-attachment-id="160104" 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="WhatsApp Image 2019-03-09 at 4.58.05 PM" src="https://storage.googleapis.com/microcosmosdelta.appspot.com/images/transfer_160103/WhatsApp-Image-2019-03-09-at-4.58.05-PM.jpeg"/>
 <figcaption>
 the rotting onion plant
 </figcaption>
</figure>



 I started by plucking a portion out, and found that it had a terrible rotting smell. Further on physical examination, the base of the stem oozed a white viscous fluid (as such the tissue became kind of mushy) and I made a slide of that liquid.

<figure class="wp-block-image">
 <img alt="WhatsApp Image 2019-03-09 at 5.00.58 PM" class="wp-image-160105 gcloudimg" data-attachment-id="160105" 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="WhatsApp Image 2019-03-09 at 5.00.58 PM" src="https://storage.googleapis.com/microcosmosdelta.appspot.com/images/transfer_160103/WhatsApp-Image-2019-03-09-at-5.00.58-PM.jpeg"/>
 <figcaption>
 The base of the stem, from where the oozy fluid emerged.
 </figcaption>
</figure>

 I found a number of worm like creatures gliding in my foldscope, which I now suspect are nematodes. I also found an creature roaming on the slidw which I couldnt identify (would love if someone helps me out.)

<figure class="wp-block-video">
 <video alt="WhatsApp-Video-2019-03-09-at-4.59.16-PM.mp4" class="gcloudimg" controls="" src="https://storage.googleapis.com/microcosmosdelta.appspot.com/images/transfer_160103/WhatsApp-Video-2019-03-09-at-4.59.16-PM.mp4">
 </video>
 <figcaption>
 Initially you can see a number of worm like microorganisms; then an unidentified organism near the end
 </figcaption>
</figure>

 This was the first time I could see entire organisms in motion under my foldscope and that was quite an exciting moments, because previously none of my slide showed a moving and prominent sample.

<figure class="wp-block-image">
 <img alt="WhatsApp Image 2019-06-29 at 11.01.21 PM" class="wp-image-160107 gcloudimg" data-attachment-id="160107" 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="WhatsApp Image 2019-06-29 at 11.01.21 PM" src="https://storage.googleapis.com/microcosmosdelta.appspot.com/images/transfer_160103/WhatsApp-Image-2019-06-29-at-11.01.21-PM.jpeg"/>
 <figcaption>
 I hypothesize this to be a nematode
 
 
 </figcaption>
</figure>
<figure class="wp-block-image">
 <img alt="WhatsApp Image 2019-06-29 at 11.01.43 PM" class="wp-image-160108 gcloudimg" data-attachment-id="160108" 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="WhatsApp Image 2019-06-29 at 11.01.43 PM" src="https://storage.googleapis.com/microcosmosdelta.appspot.com/images/transfer_160103/WhatsApp-Image-2019-06-29-at-11.01.43-PM.jpeg"/>
 <figcaption>
 A still of the unidentified microorganism
 </figcaption>
</figure>

 Manan

Rot in an Onion root (Nematodes, and an unidentified organism)

I bought a bouquet of lilies for my mother on her birthday, and a day later, its anthers started dehiscing.


 I made a slide of the pollen, and viewed it the next morning. The pollen grains appear to have a very good resolution, and the pattern on the exine is quite visible.

<figure class="wp-block-image">
 <img alt="WhatsApp Image 2019-07-08 at 7.35.35 PM" class="wp-image-162504 gcloudimg" data-attachment-id="162504" 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="WhatsApp Image 2019-07-08 at 7.35.35 PM" src="https://storage.googleapis.com/microcosmosdelta.appspot.com/images/transfer_162503/WhatsApp-Image-2019-07-08-at-7.35.35-PM.jpeg"/>
 <figcaption>
 Pollen Grains under foldscope, also magnified using the phone camera.
 
 
 
 </figcaption>
</figure>

 I was then interested in finding out the size of the pollen, since they seemed to have swollen since my last observation.

<figure class="wp-block-image">
 <img alt="WhatsApp Image 2019-07-08 at 7.09.01 PM" class="wp-image-162505 gcloudimg" data-attachment-id="162505" 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="WhatsApp Image 2019-07-08 at 7.09.01 PM" src="https://storage.googleapis.com/microcosmosdelta.appspot.com/images/transfer_162503/WhatsApp-Image-2019-07-08-at-7.09.01-PM.jpeg"/>
 <figcaption>
 The pollen seemed to have a size of 90 microns. I used the 0.5mm grid available in the deluxe kit.
 </figcaption>
</figure>
<figure class="wp-block-image">
 <img alt="WhatsApp Image 2019-07-08 at 7.09.01 PM (1)" class="wp-image-162506 gcloudimg" data-attachment-id="162506" 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="WhatsApp Image 2019-07-08 at 7.09.01 PM (1)" src="https://storage.googleapis.com/microcosmosdelta.appspot.com/images/transfer_162503/WhatsApp-Image-2019-07-08-at-7.09.01-PM-1.jpeg"/>
 <figcaption>
 A picture of the slide itself.
 </figcaption>
</figure>

 I cut a few cross-sections of the stigma, and I could see that they had irregular sizes. The nucleus was quite prominent in all these observations.

<figure class="wp-block-image">
 <img alt="WhatsApp Image 2019-07-08 at 7.36.16 PM (1)" class="wp-image-162508 gcloudimg" data-attachment-id="162508" 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="WhatsApp Image 2019-07-08 at 7.36.16 PM (1)" src="https://storage.googleapis.com/microcosmosdelta.appspot.com/images/transfer_162503/WhatsApp-Image-2019-07-08-at-7.36.16-PM-1.jpeg"/>
 <figcaption>
 cross-section of the stigma under 0.5mm grid.
 </figcaption>
</figure>
<figure class="wp-block-image">
 <img alt="WhatsApp Image 2019-07-08 at 7.36.16 PM" class="wp-image-162509 gcloudimg" data-attachment-id="162509" 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="WhatsApp Image 2019-07-08 at 7.36.16 PM" src="https://storage.googleapis.com/microcosmosdelta.appspot.com/images/transfer_162503/WhatsApp-Image-2019-07-08-at-7.36.16-PM.jpeg"/>
 <figcaption>
 It seems like the parts of the slides which had pollen grain had stained yellow naturally, but other parts like these seemed to not have been.
 </figcaption>
</figure>

 Its great seeing the little things around us become so vivid and detailed under the foldscope.




 Manan

Lily: Pollen and Cross-section of Stigma

I was exploring an algal sample from an artificial lotus pond’s water.


 I came across a curious looking organism, which on being rotated by a worm appeared more clearly. It has a macronucleus, and other possible structures.


 Based on its overall shape, presence of cilia (visible initially), macronucleus and other features, I hypothesized that it might be a paramecium.


 The organism is overall quite transparent, and I have to admit I lost it on the slide after a while navigating through it.


 Maginfication is 140x (foldscope) and varies 2-3.5x (on smartphone).

<figure class="wp-block-image">
 <img alt="WhatsApp Image 2019-08-01 at 6.58.01 PM" class="wp-image-165811 gcloudimg" data-attachment-id="165811" data-comments-opened="1" data-image-meta='{"aperture":"0","credit":"","camera":"","caption":"","created_timestamp":"1565561252","copyright":"","focal_length":"0","iso":"0","shutter_speed":"0","title":"","orientation":"1"}' data-image-title="WhatsApp Image 2019-08-01 at 6.58.01 PM" data-recalc-dims="1" src="https://storage.googleapis.com/microcosmosdelta.appspot.com/images/transfer_165810/WhatsApp-Image-2019-08-01-at-6.58.01-PM.jpeg"/>
 <figcaption>
 A screenshot which I was able to capture.
 </figcaption>
</figure>
<figure class="wp-block-video">
 <video alt="WhatsApp-Video-2019-08-01-at-7.04.04-PM.mp4" class="gcloudimg" controls="" src="https://storage.googleapis.com/microcosmosdelta.appspot.com/images/transfer_165810/WhatsApp-Video-2019-08-01-at-7.04.04-PM.mp4">
 </video>
</figure>

 I am collecting freshwater samples and analysing them through the foldscope. This started as a hobby, and my biology teacher suggested me to take it up a proper project, so I would like to seek coordination of this wonderful community in helping me identify the wonders of the microcosmos. I will upload more samples subsequently.


 Manan Suri

Paramecium like organism. (NEED HELP IN IDENTIFICATION)

I was trying to make a slide of the pollen of a pea flower, but since the anthers hadn’t dehisced, I couldn’t do so.

<figure class="wp-block-image">
 <img alt="IMG_20190824_161340" class="wp-image-169842 gcloudimg" data-attachment-id="169842" data-comments-opened="1" data-image-meta='{"aperture":"2.2","credit":"","camera":"Redmi Note 5","caption":"","created_timestamp":"1566663219","copyright":"","focal_length":"3.81","iso":"800","shutter_speed":"0.04","title":"","orientation":"0"}' data-image-title="IMG_20190824_161340" src="https://storage.googleapis.com/microcosmosdelta.appspot.com/images/transfer_169841/IMG_20190824_161340.jpg"/>
</figure>



 Then I thought about making the slide of the petals of the flower. There are three different types of petals of the pea flower which has vexillary aestivation: the large standard enveloping two medium sized lateral wings which further enclose the keel.


 I made slides of the standard (large petal) and the keel (the small, inner petal.


 The standard was blue in colour. Slide showed that it had hair like structures known as trichomes.

<figure class="wp-block-image">
 <img alt="IMG_20190909_172031" class="wp-image-169843 gcloudimg" data-attachment-id="169843" data-comments-opened="1" data-image-meta='{"aperture":"2.2","credit":"","camera":"Redmi Note 5","caption":"","created_timestamp":"1568049631","copyright":"","focal_length":"3.81","iso":"400","shutter_speed":"0.02","title":"","orientation":"0"}' data-image-title="IMG_20190909_172031" src="https://storage.googleapis.com/microcosmosdelta.appspot.com/images/transfer_169841/IMG_20190909_172031.jpg"/>
 <figcaption>
 the dried petal
 </figcaption>
</figure>
<figure class="wp-block-image">
 <img alt="IMG_20190824_163337" class="wp-image-169844 gcloudimg" data-attachment-id="169844" data-comments-opened="1" data-image-meta='{"aperture":"2.2","credit":"","camera":"Redmi Note 5","caption":"","created_timestamp":"1566664417","copyright":"","focal_length":"3.81","iso":"250","shutter_speed":"0.02","title":"","orientation":"0"}' data-image-title="IMG_20190824_163337" src="https://storage.googleapis.com/microcosmosdelta.appspot.com/images/transfer_169841/IMG_20190824_163337.jpg"/>
 <figcaption>
 Structure of trichome is quite visible here
 </figcaption>
</figure>
<figure class="wp-block-image">
 <img alt="IMG_20190824_163213" class="wp-image-169845 gcloudimg" data-attachment-id="169845" data-comments-opened="1" data-image-meta='{"aperture":"2.2","credit":"","camera":"Redmi Note 5","caption":"","created_timestamp":"1566664333","copyright":"","focal_length":"3.81","iso":"400","shutter_speed":"0.02","title":"","orientation":"0"}' data-image-title="IMG_20190824_163213" src="https://storage.googleapis.com/microcosmosdelta.appspot.com/images/transfer_169841/IMG_20190824_163213.jpg"/>
 <figcaption>
 Here trichomes are visible as emerging out
 </figcaption>
</figure>
<figure class="wp-block-image">
 <img alt="IMG_20190824_163156" class="wp-image-169846 gcloudimg" data-attachment-id="169846" data-comments-opened="1" data-image-meta='{"aperture":"2.2","credit":"","camera":"Redmi Note 5","caption":"","created_timestamp":"1566664316","copyright":"","focal_length":"3.81","iso":"250","shutter_speed":"0.02","title":"","orientation":"0"}' data-image-title="IMG_20190824_163156" src="https://storage.googleapis.com/microcosmosdelta.appspot.com/images/transfer_169841/IMG_20190824_163156.jpg"/>
 <figcaption>
 contrast created due to where the slide was wet and where it wasn’t
 </figcaption>
</figure>

 Then I observed the keels. The petals were white in colour. Cells were irregularly shaped. Absence of trichomes was observed. Vein like structures were visible.

<figure class="wp-block-image">
 <img alt="IMG_20190824_162738_BURST8" class="wp-image-169847 gcloudimg" data-attachment-id="169847" data-comments-opened="1" data-image-meta='{"aperture":"2.2","credit":"","camera":"Redmi Note 5","caption":"","created_timestamp":"1566664058","copyright":"","focal_length":"3.81","iso":"250","shutter_speed":"0.02","title":"","orientation":"0"}' data-image-title="IMG_20190824_162738_BURST8" src="https://storage.googleapis.com/microcosmosdelta.appspot.com/images/transfer_169841/IMG_20190824_162738_BURST8.jpg"/>
</figure>

 Manan

comparing different petals of the same pea flower; trichomes &amp; pigments

I made the slides of pollen, anther of Jatropha flower, and mexican petunia, plucked from my schedule garden.


 I also made slides of their respective anthers.

<figure class="wp-block-image">
 <img alt="IMG_20190820_084338" class="wp-image-170599 gcloudimg" data-attachment-id="170599" data-comments-opened="1" data-image-meta='{"aperture":"2.2","credit":"","camera":"Redmi Note 5","caption":"","created_timestamp":"1566290618","copyright":"","focal_length":"3.81","iso":"2000","shutter_speed":"0.05","title":"","orientation":"0"}' data-image-title="IMG_20190820_084338" src="https://storage.googleapis.com/microcosmosdelta.appspot.com/images/transfer_170598/IMG_20190820_084338.jpg"/>
 <figcaption>
 Jatropha Flower
 
 
 </figcaption>
</figure>
<figure class="wp-block-image">
 <img alt="IMG_20190820_084134" class="wp-image-170600 gcloudimg" data-attachment-id="170600" data-comments-opened="1" data-image-meta='{"aperture":"2.2","credit":"","camera":"Redmi Note 5","caption":"","created_timestamp":"1566290494","copyright":"","focal_length":"3.81","iso":"160","shutter_speed":"0.02","title":"","orientation":"0"}' data-image-title="IMG_20190820_084134" src="https://storage.googleapis.com/microcosmosdelta.appspot.com/images/transfer_170598/IMG_20190820_084134.jpg"/>
 <figcaption>
 Jatropha pollen
 </figcaption>
</figure>
<figure class="wp-block-image">
 <img alt="IMG_20190820_090252" class="wp-image-170601 gcloudimg" data-attachment-id="170601" data-comments-opened="1" data-image-meta='{"aperture":"2.2","credit":"","camera":"Redmi Note 5","caption":"","created_timestamp":"1566291772","copyright":"","focal_length":"3.81","iso":"320","shutter_speed":"0.02","title":"","orientation":"0"}' data-image-title="IMG_20190820_090252" src="https://storage.googleapis.com/microcosmosdelta.appspot.com/images/transfer_170598/IMG_20190820_090252.jpg"/>
 <figcaption>
 Jatropha Anther
 </figcaption>
</figure>
<figure class="wp-block-image">
 <img alt="IMG_20190820_090304" class="wp-image-170602 gcloudimg" data-attachment-id="170602" data-comments-opened="1" data-image-meta='{"aperture":"2.2","credit":"","camera":"Redmi Note 5","caption":"","created_timestamp":"1566291784","copyright":"","focal_length":"3.81","iso":"1000","shutter_speed":"0.04","title":"","orientation":"0"}' data-image-title="IMG_20190820_090304" src="https://storage.googleapis.com/microcosmosdelta.appspot.com/images/transfer_170598/IMG_20190820_090304.jpg"/>
</figure>
<figure class="wp-block-image">
 <img alt="IMG_20190820_084644" class="wp-image-170603 gcloudimg" data-attachment-id="170603" data-comments-opened="1" data-image-meta='{"aperture":"2.2","credit":"","camera":"Redmi Note 5","caption":"","created_timestamp":"1566290804","copyright":"","focal_length":"3.81","iso":"250","shutter_speed":"0.02","title":"","orientation":"0"}' data-image-title="IMG_20190820_084644" src="https://storage.googleapis.com/microcosmosdelta.appspot.com/images/transfer_170598/IMG_20190820_084644.jpg"/>
 <figcaption>
 Petunja pollen
 </figcaption>
</figure>
<figure class="wp-block-image">
 <img alt="IMG_20190820_084735" class="wp-image-170604 gcloudimg" data-attachment-id="170604" data-comments-opened="1" data-image-meta='{"aperture":"2.2","credit":"","camera":"Redmi Note 5","caption":"","created_timestamp":"1566290854","copyright":"","focal_length":"3.81","iso":"400","shutter_speed":"0.02","title":"","orientation":"0"}' data-image-title="IMG_20190820_084735" src="https://storage.googleapis.com/microcosmosdelta.appspot.com/images/transfer_170598/IMG_20190820_084735.jpg"/>
 <figcaption>
 Petunia anther
 </figcaption>
</figure>
<figure class="wp-block-image">
 <img alt="IMG_20190820_084324" class="wp-image-170605 gcloudimg" data-attachment-id="170605" data-comments-opened="1" data-image-meta='{"aperture":"2.2","credit":"","camera":"Redmi Note 5","caption":"","created_timestamp":"1566290604","copyright":"","focal_length":"3.81","iso":"400","shutter_speed":"0.03030303030303","title":"","orientation":"0"}' data-image-title="IMG_20190820_084324" src="https://storage.googleapis.com/microcosmosdelta.appspot.com/images/transfer_170598/IMG_20190820_084324.jpg"/>
</figure>

 Indeed, the flowers around us show an enormous variety and myriad of pollen!!


 Manan 🙂

Jatropha and Mexican Petunia Pollen, Anther

I observed that many foldscopers had made wet mounts of hydrated moss, often in the quest for tardigrades, and I when I found some growing in my backyard, it seemed like the perfect opportunity!

<figure class="wp-block-image">
 <img alt="WhatsApp Image 2019-09-17 at 9.51.15 PM" class="wp-image-170656 gcloudimg" data-attachment-id="170656" 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="WhatsApp Image 2019-09-17 at 9.51.15 PM" src="https://storage.googleapis.com/microcosmosdelta.appspot.com/images/transfer_170652/WhatsApp-Image-2019-09-17-at-9.51.15-PM.jpeg"/>
 <figcaption>
 hydrated moss in Ependorf tube
 </figcaption>
</figure>

 I found a very peculiar creature out of the blue while looking at the sample of hydrated moss (which I collected from my backyard). It had a squirming movement (which made me think at first it was an amoeba because I had never seen an amoeba before), but it also had a flagellum. I got confused and tried to surf the web to find what it was. Then I came across a video on an instagram page, jam_and_germs (
 
 <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/B1NjvnzDTl0/?hl=en">
 https://www.instagram.com/p/B1NjvnzDTl0/?hl=en
 </a>
 ) and instantly it clicked, that what i observed was actually a
 
 Peranema
 
 . I confirmed it by studying a bit more about
 
 Peranema
 
 online and watched a few videos on youtube.


 So, from wikipedia:
 
 
 Peranema
 
 
 is a genus of free-living phagotrophic euglenids (Euglenida; Euglenozoa;
 <a alt="Excavata" class="gcloudimg" href="https://storage.googleapis.com/microcosmosdelta.appspot.com/images/transfer_170652/Excavata">
 Excavata
 </a>
 ). There are more than 20 nominal species, varying in size between 8 and 200 micrometers.
 
 <a alt="Peranema#cite_note-EOL:_Peranema-1" class="gcloudimg" href="https://storage.googleapis.com/microcosmosdelta.appspot.com/images/transfer_170652/Peranema%23cite_note-EOL%3A_Peranema-1">
 [1]
 </a>
 
 
 
 Peranema
 
 
 cells are gliding
 <a alt="Flagellates" class="gcloudimg" href="https://storage.googleapis.com/microcosmosdelta.appspot.com/images/transfer_170652/Flagellates">
 flagellates
 </a>
 found in freshwater lakes, ponds and ditches, and are often abundant at the bottom of stagnant pools rich in decaying organic material.
 
 <a alt="Peranema#cite_note-2" class="gcloudimg" href="https://storage.googleapis.com/microcosmosdelta.appspot.com/images/transfer_170652/Peranema%23cite_note-2">
 [2]
 </a>
 
 Although they belong to the class
 <a alt="Euglenoidea" class="gcloudimg" href="https://storage.googleapis.com/microcosmosdelta.appspot.com/images/transfer_170652/Euglenoidea">
 Euglenoidea
 </a>
 , and are morphologically similar to the green
 
 <a alt="Euglena" class="gcloudimg" href="https://storage.googleapis.com/microcosmosdelta.appspot.com/images/transfer_170652/Euglena">
 Euglena
 </a>
 
 ,
 
 Peranema
 
 have no
 <a alt="Chloroplasts" class="gcloudimg" href="https://storage.googleapis.com/microcosmosdelta.appspot.com/images/transfer_170652/Chloroplasts">
 chloroplasts
 </a>
 , and do not conduct
 <a alt="Autotrophy" class="gcloudimg" href="https://storage.googleapis.com/microcosmosdelta.appspot.com/images/transfer_170652/Autotrophy">
 autotrophy
 </a>
 . Instead, they capture live prey, such as yeast, bacteria and other flagellates, consuming them with the help of a rigid feeding apparatus called a “rod-organ.”

<figure class="wp-block-video">
 <video alt="WhatsApp-Video-2019-07-13-at-11.38.17-PM.mp4" class="gcloudimg" controls="" src="https://storage.googleapis.com/microcosmosdelta.appspot.com/images/transfer_170652/WhatsApp-Video-2019-07-13-at-11.38.17-PM.mp4">
 </video>
</figure>

 Next I observed, a nematode and was delighted to see its movements. It’s movement was kind of smooth but at the same time it seemed quite peculiar as if something was trying to hold the nematode back (because of the odd bends that it was taking). Would be grateful if anyone can help me understand why it was moving in this way…

<figure class="wp-block-video">
 <video alt="WhatsApp-Video-2019-07-10-at-5.12.02-PM-1.mp4" class="gcloudimg" controls="" src="https://storage.googleapis.com/microcosmosdelta.appspot.com/images/transfer_170652/WhatsApp-Video-2019-07-10-at-5.12.02-PM-1.mp4">
 </video>
</figure>

 These observation just increase my passion for exploring the microscopic world around me. I would love to get some feedback as well as tips and techniques!


 Manan

Squirming  Peranema, Dancing Nematode

For a few months, I’ve been taking samples from a lotus pond near my home. The first striking observation is the presence of algae in the water, and invariably whichever slide I made contained some or the other algal filaments. I decided therefore to study the algae a little bit too. I started with this in my months old post (
 
 <a href="https://microcosmos.foldscope.com/?p=159215">
 https://microcosmos.foldscope.com/?p=159215
 </a>
 ).


 But as I observed the algae, I became curious about certain structures I saw.




 The following piece of algae had many such filaments of different types with these ‘vine glass’ shaped protrusions. I am curious as to what they are… They seemed too small to be vorticellae, and since I didn’t observe a lot of movement I’m not sure, and I would love if anyone can help me out.

<figure class="wp-block-image">
 <img alt="WhatsApp Image 2019-09-20 at 12.17.32 AM (2)" class="wp-image-173122 gcloudimg" data-attachment-id="173122" 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="WhatsApp Image 2019-09-20 at 12.17.32 AM (2)" src="https://storage.googleapis.com/microcosmosdelta.appspot.com/images/transfer_173090/WhatsApp-Image-2019-09-20-at-12.17.32-AM-2.jpeg"/>
 <figcaption>
 fig.1
 </figcaption>
</figure>
<figure class="wp-block-image">
 <img alt="WhatsApp Image 2019-09-20 at 12.17.32 AM (3)" class="wp-image-173127 gcloudimg" data-attachment-id="173127" 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="WhatsApp Image 2019-09-20 at 12.17.32 AM (3)" src="https://storage.googleapis.com/microcosmosdelta.appspot.com/images/transfer_173090/WhatsApp-Image-2019-09-20-at-12.17.32-AM-3.jpeg"/>
 <figcaption>
 fig.2 A few of these were quite unique with having two branches… are these dividing cells?
 </figcaption>
</figure>

 Apart from the vine glass shaped outgrowths, there were many other observable outgrowths in different samples, which i would love to identify.

<figure class="wp-block-image">
 <img alt="WhatsApp Image 2019-09-19 at 9.29.12 PM" class="wp-image-173152 gcloudimg" data-attachment-id="173152" 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="WhatsApp Image 2019-09-19 at 9.29.12 PM" src="https://storage.googleapis.com/microcosmosdelta.appspot.com/images/transfer_173090/WhatsApp-Image-2019-09-19-at-9.29.12-PM.jpeg"/>
 <figcaption>
 fig.3
 </figcaption>
</figure>
<figure class="wp-block-image">
 <img alt="WhatsApp Image 2019-09-19 at 9.29.23 PM (1)" class="wp-image-173153 gcloudimg" data-attachment-id="173153" 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="WhatsApp Image 2019-09-19 at 9.29.23 PM (1)" src="https://storage.googleapis.com/microcosmosdelta.appspot.com/images/transfer_173090/WhatsApp-Image-2019-09-19-at-9.29.23-PM-1.jpeg"/>
 <figcaption>
 fig.4
 </figcaption>
</figure>
<figure class="wp-block-image">
 <img alt="WhatsApp Image 2019-09-22 at 9.15.39 PM (1)" class="wp-image-173158 gcloudimg" data-attachment-id="173158" 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="WhatsApp Image 2019-09-22 at 9.15.39 PM (1)" src="https://storage.googleapis.com/microcosmosdelta.appspot.com/images/transfer_173090/WhatsApp-Image-2019-09-22-at-9.15.39-PM-1.jpeg"/>
 <figcaption>
 fig.5
 </figcaption>
</figure>
<figure class="wp-block-image">
 <img alt="WhatsApp Image 2019-09-20 at 12.17.32 AM (1)" class="wp-image-173176 gcloudimg" data-attachment-id="173176" 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="WhatsApp Image 2019-09-20 at 12.17.32 AM (1)" src="https://storage.googleapis.com/microcosmosdelta.appspot.com/images/transfer_173090/WhatsApp-Image-2019-09-20-at-12.17.32-AM-1-1.jpeg"/>
 <figcaption>
 fig.6
 </figcaption>
</figure>

 I also saw many algae which were dense with hair like structures.Several of them had swollen ends as shown below. Again, I would really appreciate if I can know what both these structures represent and what role they play.

<figure class="wp-block-image">
 <img alt="WhatsApp Image 2019-09-20 at 12.17.32 AM (1)" class="wp-image-173136 gcloudimg" data-attachment-id="173136" 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="WhatsApp Image 2019-09-20 at 12.17.32 AM (1)" src="https://storage.googleapis.com/microcosmosdelta.appspot.com/images/transfer_173090/WhatsApp-Image-2019-09-20-at-12.17.32-AM-1.jpeg"/>
 <figcaption>
 fig.7
 </figcaption>
</figure>

 I further found that several of the filaments had randomly present darkened cells, which I think might be akinetes and the algae may be pithophora ( which I found some similarities to with the description on
 
 <a alt="algae-corner-how-to-identify-different-algae-types" class="gcloudimg" href="https://storage.googleapis.com/microcosmosdelta.appspot.com/images/transfer_173090/algae-corner-how-to-identify-different-algae-types">
 https://www.sepro.com/stewards-of-water/archive/algae-corner-how-to-identify-different-algae-types
 </a>
 ).

<figure class="wp-block-image">
 <img alt="WhatsApp Image 2019-09-22 at 9.16.40 PM" class="wp-image-173147 gcloudimg" data-attachment-id="173147" 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="WhatsApp Image 2019-09-22 at 9.16.40 PM" src="https://storage.googleapis.com/microcosmosdelta.appspot.com/images/transfer_173090/WhatsApp-Image-2019-09-22-at-9.16.40-PM.jpeg"/>
 <figcaption>
 fig.8: also, many filaments had parts of them empty of chloroplasts: why is that?
 </figcaption>
</figure>


<figure class="wp-block-video alignright">
 <video alt="WhatsApp-Video-2019-09-20-at-12.19.37-AM.mp4" class="gcloudimg" controls="" src="https://storage.googleapis.com/microcosmosdelta.appspot.com/images/transfer_173090/WhatsApp-Video-2019-09-20-at-12.19.37-AM.mp4">
 </video>
</figure>

 I also saw a bursting cell, which had all of its content oozing out of it, with the filament being twisted at that point. Why does that take place?














 Is the following algae a phaecophycae?

<figure class="wp-block-image">
 <img alt="WhatsApp Image 2019-09-20 at 12.17.32 AM" class="wp-image-173172 gcloudimg" data-attachment-id="173172" 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="WhatsApp Image 2019-09-20 at 12.17.32 AM" src="https://storage.googleapis.com/microcosmosdelta.appspot.com/images/transfer_173090/WhatsApp-Image-2019-09-20-at-12.17.32-AM.jpeg"/>
 <figcaption>
 fig.9
 </figcaption>
</figure>

 Some of the algae had strange shapes, like this one below was almost as if it had swollen up!

<figure class="wp-block-image">
 <img alt="WhatsApp Image 2019-09-20 at 12.17.32 AM" class="wp-image-173184 gcloudimg" data-attachment-id="173184" 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="WhatsApp Image 2019-09-20 at 12.17.32 AM" src="https://storage.googleapis.com/microcosmosdelta.appspot.com/images/transfer_173090/WhatsApp-Image-2019-09-20-at-12.17.32-AM-4.jpeg"/>
 <figcaption>
 fig.10
 </figcaption>
</figure>

 Working with algae was quite fun. I’m quite inquisitive about what structures were viewed by me, as the simplicity, yet diversity of the samples observed have left me in awe.


 Also, I have found with experience, that whenever attempting to make water slides, it is better to have a little algae within the slide, as:

<ol>
 <li>
 Several organisms hide themselves within these multitudinous folds!
 </li>
 <li>
 The slide itself becomes better mechanically, as there is some cushioning which prevents unknown/known samples from getting crushed, and somehow has always mitigated large air-bubbles for me!
 </li>
</ol>

 Manan 🙂




 Edit:


 Thank you so much @laksiyer for helping me out with several of these. Your guidance to amateur foldscopers like me encourages us to explore further.


 In reference to the wine glass structures which may be diatoms, here is a clearer picture:

<figure class="wp-block-image">
 <img alt="WhatsApp Image 2019-09-27 at 6.47.12 PM" class="wp-image-174241 gcloudimg" data-attachment-id="174241" 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="WhatsApp Image 2019-09-27 at 6.47.12 PM" src="https://storage.googleapis.com/microcosmosdelta.appspot.com/images/transfer_173090/WhatsApp-Image-2019-09-27-at-6.47.12-PM.jpeg"/>
</figure>
<figure class="wp-block-image">
 <img alt="WhatsApp Image 2019-09-27 at 6.47.12 PM (1)" class="wp-image-174242 gcloudimg" data-attachment-id="174242" 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="WhatsApp Image 2019-09-27 at 6.47.12 PM (1)" src="https://storage.googleapis.com/microcosmosdelta.appspot.com/images/transfer_173090/WhatsApp-Image-2019-09-27-at-6.47.12-PM-1.jpeg"/>
</figure>



 Also, I have found A video of fig.5:

<figure class="wp-block-video">
 <video alt="WhatsApp-Video-2019-09-29-at-5.09.34-PM.mp4" class="gcloudimg" controls="" src="https://storage.googleapis.com/microcosmosdelta.appspot.com/images/transfer_173090/WhatsApp-Video-2019-09-29-at-5.09.34-PM.mp4">
 </video>
</figure>

 Does this look like a ciliate? I think I can see a ring of cilia whirling on top, but would love confirmation, and if possible identification!

Algae: Need help in identifying species and structures!!

I have been exploring the ecosystem of an artificial local pond. I’m coming across so many samples and it is so wonderful: to look at so many things you didn’t expect, and equally wonderful is the enigma of what are these things?


 And that is why I’ve done so many posts seeking identification, as I want to confirm if I’ve got it right or know more about what I’ve seen!


 So, the first is an organism which I suspect to be a water flea.


 These fleas were visible through naked eyes as well, and they had kind of a random galloping motion at the bottom of the jar (the top was flushed with algae).



<figure class="wp-block-video">
 <video alt="VID_20190706_170911.mp4" class="gcloudimg" controls="" src="https://storage.googleapis.com/microcosmosdelta.appspot.com/images/transfer_174320/VID_20190706_170911.mp4">
 </video>
</figure>

 I then used the paper well slide to pick up one of these critters and observe it under a foldscope:

<figure class="wp-block-video aligncenter">
 <video alt="WhatsApp-Video-2019-07-06-at-9.11.54-PM.mp4" class="gcloudimg" controls="" src="https://storage.googleapis.com/microcosmosdelta.appspot.com/images/transfer_174320/WhatsApp-Video-2019-07-06-at-9.11.54-PM.mp4">
 </video>
</figure>

 And voila, I could observe it eating some gunk. It was immobilised, because of the thickness of the slide. I could observe distinct mouth parts, leg like parts, antennae like parts, compound eyes and a whole range of internal body organs (which I cant identify).

<figure class="wp-block-image">
 <img alt="WhatsApp Image 2019-07-06 at 9.11.32 PM" class="wp-image-174364 gcloudimg" data-attachment-id="174364" 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="WhatsApp Image 2019-07-06 at 9.11.32 PM" src="https://storage.googleapis.com/microcosmosdelta.appspot.com/images/transfer_174320/WhatsApp-Image-2019-07-06-at-9.11.32-PM.jpeg"/>
</figure>

 It also seems to have small hair like structures on its body like cilia perhaps.


 I projected it on a wall, and goofed around a bit!

<figure class="wp-block-image">
 <img alt="WhatsApp Image 2019-07-06 at 10.18.07 PM" class="wp-image-174365 gcloudimg" data-attachment-id="174365" 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="WhatsApp Image 2019-07-06 at 10.18.07 PM" src="https://storage.googleapis.com/microcosmosdelta.appspot.com/images/transfer_174320/WhatsApp-Image-2019-07-06-at-10.18.07-PM.jpeg"/>
</figure>
<figure class="wp-block-image">
 <img alt="WhatsApp Image 2019-07-06 at 10.15.43 PM" class="wp-image-174366 gcloudimg" data-attachment-id="174366" 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="WhatsApp Image 2019-07-06 at 10.15.43 PM" src="https://storage.googleapis.com/microcosmosdelta.appspot.com/images/transfer_174320/WhatsApp-Image-2019-07-06-at-10.15.43-PM.jpeg"/>
 <figcaption>
 Make for a creepy yet fun photoshoot !
 </figcaption>
</figure>

 The next organism i’m confused about is a ciliate. I mainly want to know what species it is!


 It has a quick jerky rolling motion at times, which makes it difficult to photograph and focus.

<figure class="wp-block-image">
 <img alt="WhatsApp Image 2019-07-03 at 2.32.04 PM" class="wp-image-174367 gcloudimg" data-attachment-id="174367" data-comments-opened="1" data-image-meta='{"aperture":"0","credit":"","camera":"","caption":"","created_timestamp":"1569778076","copyright":"","focal_length":"0","iso":"0","shutter_speed":"0","title":"","orientation":"1"}' data-image-title="WhatsApp Image 2019-07-03 at 2.32.04 PM" data-recalc-dims="1" src="https://storage.googleapis.com/microcosmosdelta.appspot.com/images/transfer_174320/WhatsApp-Image-2019-07-03-at-2.32.04-PM.jpeg"/>
</figure>

 It was moving around in circles…:

<figure class="wp-block-video">
 <video alt="ciliate.mp4" class="gcloudimg" controls="" src="https://storage.googleapis.com/microcosmosdelta.appspot.com/images/transfer_174320/ciliate.mp4">
 </video>
</figure>

 One thing that I learnt and understood from this video was ciliate motion in all its beauty!




 Manan

Identification: Water fleas? Ciliate?

I turned my passion for the microcosmos and foldscope, into a meaningful project that I was required to submit for my practical examination at school.


 I have used to project to as such form a scrapbook of the different specimens I have observed and their short description.


 I would love to receive feedback from the microcosmos community about the same.


 I would like to thank Dr. Manu Prakash for inventing such a wonderful tool, for his inspiring posts and for his constant support to the foldcope community. I would like to thank laksiyer sir for helping me identify a few species and for inspiring me with his posts. I have received enormous support and encouragement from my biology teacher, Ms. Tripta Sablok who has shared and cultivated my enthusiasm for the subject.


 I have some snapshots of the project:

<figure class="wp-block-image">
 <img alt="IMG_20200312_195058" class="wp-image-189568 gcloudimg" data-attachment-id="189568" 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="IMG_20200312_195058" src="https://storage.googleapis.com/microcosmosdelta.appspot.com/images/transfer_189567/IMG_20200312_195058.jpg"/>
 <figcaption>
 The title page, which I handcrafted.
 
 
 </figcaption>
</figure>
<figure class="wp-block-image">
 <img alt="IMG_20200312_195206" class="wp-image-189569 gcloudimg" data-attachment-id="189569" 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="IMG_20200312_195206" src="https://storage.googleapis.com/microcosmosdelta.appspot.com/images/transfer_189567/IMG_20200312_195206.jpg"/>
</figure>
<figure class="wp-block-image">
 <img alt="IMG_20200312_195133" class="wp-image-189570 gcloudimg" data-attachment-id="189570" 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="IMG_20200312_195133" src="https://storage.googleapis.com/microcosmosdelta.appspot.com/images/transfer_189567/IMG_20200312_195133.jpg"/>
 <figcaption>
 
 
 </figcaption>
</figure>
<figure class="wp-block-image">
 <img alt="IMG_20200312_195318" class="wp-image-189571 gcloudimg" data-attachment-id="189571" 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="IMG_20200312_195318" src="https://storage.googleapis.com/microcosmosdelta.appspot.com/images/transfer_189567/IMG_20200312_195318.jpg"/>
</figure>
<figure class="wp-block-image">
 <img alt="IMG_20200312_195254" class="wp-image-189572 gcloudimg" data-attachment-id="189572" 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="IMG_20200312_195254" src="https://storage.googleapis.com/microcosmosdelta.appspot.com/images/transfer_189567/IMG_20200312_195254.jpg"/>
</figure>

 The project was a learning journey for me. It helped me to learn more about the specimens I was observing, compelled me to learn new techniques and taught me to be meticulous.


 The pdf of the project is attached:

<div class="wp-block-file">
 <a alt="Book-2020-03-11-22.33.28.pdf" class="gcloudimg" href="https://storage.googleapis.com/microcosmosdelta.appspot.com/images/transfer_189567/Book-2020-03-11-22.33.28.pdf">
 Bio Project
 
 </a>
 <a alt="Book-2020-03-11-22.33.28.pdf" class="wp-block-file__button gcloudimg" download="" href="https://storage.googleapis.com/microcosmosdelta.appspot.com/images/transfer_189567/Book-2020-03-11-22.33.28.pdf">
 Download
 </a>
</div>

 Manan Suri

Foldscope &#8211; My School Project

Sitting at home has given us a fresh opportunity to look at our homes with a different lens. While rummaging through my garden, I found that my mother had tried to plant a tomato plant in a pot.

<figure class="wp-block-image">
 <img alt="IMG_20200322_172319" class="wp-image-189945 gcloudimg" data-attachment-id="189945" data-comments-opened="1" data-image-meta='{"aperture":"1.89","credit":"","camera":"Redmi Note 8 Pro","caption":"","created_timestamp":"0","copyright":"","focal_length":"5.43","iso":"884","shutter_speed":"0.019998","title":"","orientation":"1"}' data-image-title="IMG_20200322_172319" src="https://storage.googleapis.com/microcosmosdelta.appspot.com/images/transfer_189944/IMG_20200322_172319.jpg"/>
 <figcaption>
 the rotting tomato pulp; black algae can be seen surrounding it
 </figcaption>
</figure>

 The tomato pulp present in the pot was undergoing decay and dessication by fungi, and insect larvae (maggots).


 So naturally out of curiosity I carefully collected the samples and made slides, observing them through the foldscope.


 The first sample I took was of the fungi. I could see the hyphae- which are thread like filaments which are constitutive of the fungi itself. These are branched and intertwined to allow maximum area for growth and saprophytic action. These hyphae form the mycelium which is the vegetative part of the fungi.

<figure class="wp-block-image">
 <img alt="IMG_20200322_164728" class="wp-image-189946 gcloudimg" data-attachment-id="189946" data-comments-opened="1" data-image-meta='{"aperture":"1.89","credit":"","camera":"Redmi Note 8 Pro","caption":"","created_timestamp":"0","copyright":"","focal_length":"5.43","iso":"4300","shutter_speed":"0.050003","title":"","orientation":"6"}' data-image-title="IMG_20200322_164728" src="https://storage.googleapis.com/microcosmosdelta.appspot.com/images/transfer_189944/IMG_20200322_164728.jpg"/>
</figure>
<figure class="wp-block-image">
 <img alt="IMG_20200322_165314" class="wp-image-189947 gcloudimg" data-attachment-id="189947" data-comments-opened="1" data-image-meta='{"aperture":"1.89","credit":"","camera":"Redmi Note 8 Pro","caption":"","created_timestamp":"0","copyright":"","focal_length":"5.43","iso":"3753","shutter_speed":"0.040004","title":"","orientation":"6"}' data-image-title="IMG_20200322_165314" src="https://storage.googleapis.com/microcosmosdelta.appspot.com/images/transfer_189944/IMG_20200322_165314.jpg"/>
</figure>

 Throughout the slide I could see abundant and very small particles, which are the spores


 Furthermore, at the end of the hyphae,I could observe the source of these spores: the fruiting body (sporocarp) from where the spores are released.


 These spores fly distances and land on surfaces. Whe suitable conditions for growth of fungi are found, I.E. warm and moist with availability of organic matter, these spores germinate to form a new network of fungi.

<figure class="wp-block-image">
 <img alt="IMG_20200322_165448" class="wp-image-189948 gcloudimg" data-attachment-id="189948" data-comments-opened="1" data-image-meta='{"aperture":"1.89","credit":"","camera":"Redmi Note 8 Pro","caption":"","created_timestamp":"0","copyright":"","focal_length":"5.43","iso":"1859","shutter_speed":"0.029997","title":"","orientation":"6"}' data-image-title="IMG_20200322_165448" src="https://storage.googleapis.com/microcosmosdelta.appspot.com/images/transfer_189944/IMG_20200322_165448.jpg"/>
</figure>
<figure class="wp-block-image">
 <img alt="IMG_20200322_164940" class="wp-image-189949 gcloudimg" data-attachment-id="189949" data-comments-opened="1" data-image-meta='{"aperture":"1.89","credit":"","camera":"Redmi Note 8 Pro","caption":"","created_timestamp":"0","copyright":"","focal_length":"5.43","iso":"4543","shutter_speed":"0.040004","title":"","orientation":"6"}' data-image-title="IMG_20200322_164940" src="https://storage.googleapis.com/microcosmosdelta.appspot.com/images/transfer_189944/IMG_20200322_164940.jpg"/>
</figure>
<figure class="wp-block-image">
 <img alt="IMG_20200322_164741" class="wp-image-189950 gcloudimg" data-attachment-id="189950" data-comments-opened="1" data-image-meta='{"aperture":"1.89","credit":"","camera":"Redmi Note 8 Pro","caption":"","created_timestamp":"0","copyright":"","focal_length":"5.43","iso":"3525","shutter_speed":"0.040004","title":"","orientation":"6"}' data-image-title="IMG_20200322_164741" src="https://storage.googleapis.com/microcosmosdelta.appspot.com/images/transfer_189944/IMG_20200322_164741.jpg"/>
</figure>

 Along with the fungi which are saprophytic, another type of organism that I found was very small maggots/ insect larvae.


 You can see one of them which I picked up on a needle:

<figure class="wp-block-image">
 <img alt="IMG_20200324_174729" class="wp-image-189951 gcloudimg" data-attachment-id="189951" data-comments-opened="1" data-image-meta='{"aperture":"2.4","credit":"","camera":"Redmi Note 8 Pro","caption":"","created_timestamp":"0","copyright":"","focal_length":"1.94","iso":"200","shutter_speed":"0.019998","title":"","orientation":"6"}' data-image-title="IMG_20200324_174729" src="https://storage.googleapis.com/microcosmosdelta.appspot.com/images/transfer_189944/IMG_20200324_174729.jpg"/>
</figure>

 I carefully used the silicon well slide to form a slide of this tiny creature.

<figure class="wp-block-image">
 <img alt="IMG_20200324_181252" class="wp-image-189952 gcloudimg" data-attachment-id="189952" data-comments-opened="1" data-image-meta='{"aperture":"1.89","credit":"","camera":"Redmi Note 8 Pro","caption":"","created_timestamp":"0","copyright":"","focal_length":"5.43","iso":"11225","shutter_speed":"0.070001","title":"","orientation":"1"}' data-image-title="IMG_20200324_181252" src="https://storage.googleapis.com/microcosmosdelta.appspot.com/images/transfer_189944/IMG_20200324_181252.jpg"/>
 <figcaption>
 The posterior end of the larva. We can see the tomato pulp it has consumed.
 
 
 </figcaption>
</figure>
<figure class="wp-block-image">
 <img alt="IMG_20200324_181106" class="wp-image-189953 gcloudimg" data-attachment-id="189953" data-comments-opened="1" data-image-meta='{"aperture":"1.89","credit":"","camera":"Redmi Note 8 Pro","caption":"","created_timestamp":"0","copyright":"","focal_length":"5.43","iso":"17196","shutter_speed":"0.070001","title":"","orientation":"1"}' data-image-title="IMG_20200324_181106" src="https://storage.googleapis.com/microcosmosdelta.appspot.com/images/transfer_189944/IMG_20200324_181106.jpg"/>
 <figcaption>
 The anterior portion
 </figcaption>
</figure>
<figure class="wp-block-image">
 <img alt="IMG_20200324_180642" class="wp-image-189954 gcloudimg" data-attachment-id="189954" data-comments-opened="1" data-image-meta='{"aperture":"1.89","credit":"","camera":"Redmi Note 8 Pro","caption":"","created_timestamp":"0","copyright":"","focal_length":"5.43","iso":"5050","shutter_speed":"0.060002","title":"","orientation":"1"}' data-image-title="IMG_20200324_180642" src="https://storage.googleapis.com/microcosmosdelta.appspot.com/images/transfer_189944/IMG_20200324_180642.jpg"/>
 <figcaption>
 Anterior portion
 </figcaption>
</figure>
<figure class="wp-block-image">
 <img alt="IMG_20200324_181213" class="wp-image-189955 gcloudimg" data-attachment-id="189955" data-comments-opened="1" data-image-meta='{"aperture":"1.89","credit":"","camera":"Redmi Note 8 Pro","caption":"","created_timestamp":"0","copyright":"","focal_length":"5.43","iso":"10040","shutter_speed":"0.060002","title":"","orientation":"1"}' data-image-title="IMG_20200324_181213" src="https://storage.googleapis.com/microcosmosdelta.appspot.com/images/transfer_189944/IMG_20200324_181213.jpg"/>
</figure>
<figure class="wp-block-image">
 <img alt="Screenshot_2020-03-25-23-38-13-812_com.miui.videoplayer" class="wp-image-189956 gcloudimg" data-attachment-id="189956" 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="Screenshot_2020-03-25-23-38-13-812_com.miui.videoplayer" src="https://storage.googleapis.com/microcosmosdelta.appspot.com/images/transfer_189944/Screenshot_2020-03-25-23-38-13-812_com.miui_.videoplayer.jpg"/>
 <figcaption>
 We can see the structure of the ‘mouth’
 </figcaption>
</figure>

 In the video, we can see the internal movements inside the larva.

<figure class="wp-block-embed-youtube wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio">
 <div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
 <div class="jetpack-video-wrapper">
 
 <iframe allowfullscreen="true" class="youtube-player" height="563" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/u-DUIC67TyY?version=3&amp;rel=1&amp;fs=1&amp;autohide=2&amp;showsearch=0&amp;showinfo=1&amp;iv_load_policy=1&amp;wmode=transparent" style="border:0;" type="text/html" width="1000">
 </iframe>
 
 </div>
 </div>
</figure>

 This video below shows the different structures of larva.

<figure class="wp-block-embed-youtube wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio">
 <div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
 <div class="jetpack-video-wrapper">
 
 <iframe allowfullscreen="true" class="youtube-player" height="563" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/xShwqHzW2sw?version=3&amp;rel=1&amp;fs=1&amp;autohide=2&amp;showsearch=0&amp;showinfo=1&amp;iv_load_policy=1&amp;wmode=transparent" style="border:0;" type="text/html" width="1000">
 </iframe>
 
 </div>
 </div>
</figure>

 In the video below, I tried to use a yellow filter (more about this in an upcoming post) to observe the larva eating. We can see that quite clearly.

<figure class="wp-block-video">
 <video alt="VID-20200326-WA0000.mp4" class="gcloudimg" controls="" src="https://storage.googleapis.com/microcosmosdelta.appspot.com/images/transfer_189944/VID-20200326-WA0000.mp4">
 </video>
</figure>

 One problem that I had while observing the larva was focussing the slide. I think because the larva has sort of a dimension of depth, therefore it wouldn’t be easy to have all portions of the slide focussed at the same time.


 Well, in this time let us show solidarity, and practice self isolation. The practice of staying home can certainly be seen as an opportunity to look for things around your own home and explore them.


 Manan Suri

Maggots and Fungi: A Tale of Quarantine time Exploration

I was looking at a surgical mask that my father uses whenever he goes to get household supplies.

<figure class="wp-block-image">
 <img alt="IMG_20200404_162545" class="wp-image-190171 gcloudimg" data-attachment-id="190171" data-comments-opened="1" data-image-meta='{"aperture":"1.89","credit":"","camera":"Redmi Note 8 Pro","caption":"","created_timestamp":"0","copyright":"","focal_length":"5.43","iso":"100","shutter_speed":"0.004824","title":"","orientation":"1"}' data-image-title="IMG_20200404_162545" src="https://storage.googleapis.com/microcosmosdelta.appspot.com/images/transfer_190169/IMG_20200404_162545.jpg"/>
</figure>

 I cut a piece from the corner and discovered there were three layers:

<figure class="wp-block-image">
 <img alt="IMG_20200404_162655" class="wp-image-190172 gcloudimg" data-attachment-id="190172" data-comments-opened="1" data-image-meta='{"aperture":"1.89","credit":"","camera":"Redmi Note 8 Pro","caption":"","created_timestamp":"0","copyright":"","focal_length":"5.43","iso":"100","shutter_speed":"0.00707","title":"","orientation":"6"}' data-image-title="IMG_20200404_162655" src="https://storage.googleapis.com/microcosmosdelta.appspot.com/images/transfer_190169/IMG_20200404_162655.jpg"/>
</figure>

 On visual examination I found that the layers were as follows:


 The outermost layer was green, and the inner two were white. The middle layer was translucent whereas the innermost was quite opaque.

<figure class="wp-block-image">
 <img alt="IMG_20200404_164658" class="wp-image-190173 gcloudimg" data-attachment-id="190173" data-comments-opened="1" data-image-meta='{"aperture":"1.89","credit":"","camera":"Redmi Note 8 Pro","caption":"","created_timestamp":"0","copyright":"","focal_length":"5.43","iso":"562","shutter_speed":"0.009999","title":"","orientation":"1"}' data-image-title="IMG_20200404_164658" src="https://storage.googleapis.com/microcosmosdelta.appspot.com/images/transfer_190169/IMG_20200404_164658.jpg"/>
</figure>

 The pictures of the layers under foldscope are as follows:

<figure class="wp-block-image">
 <img alt="IMG_20200404_163239" class="wp-image-190174 gcloudimg" data-attachment-id="190174" data-comments-opened="1" data-image-meta='{"aperture":"1.89","credit":"","camera":"Redmi Note 8 Pro","caption":"","created_timestamp":"0","copyright":"","focal_length":"5.43","iso":"1396","shutter_speed":"0.019998","title":"","orientation":"6"}' data-image-title="IMG_20200404_163239" src="https://storage.googleapis.com/microcosmosdelta.appspot.com/images/transfer_190169/IMG_20200404_163239.jpg"/>
 <figcaption>
 Innermost Layer
 </figcaption>
</figure>
<figure class="wp-block-image">
 <img alt="IMG_20200404_163827" class="wp-image-190175 gcloudimg" data-attachment-id="190175" data-comments-opened="1" data-image-meta='{"aperture":"1.89","credit":"","camera":"Redmi Note 8 Pro","caption":"","created_timestamp":"0","copyright":"","focal_length":"5.43","iso":"1175","shutter_speed":"0.019998","title":"","orientation":"6"}' data-image-title="IMG_20200404_163827" src="https://storage.googleapis.com/microcosmosdelta.appspot.com/images/transfer_190169/IMG_20200404_163827.jpg"/>
 <figcaption>
 Middle layer
 </figcaption>
</figure>
<figure class="wp-block-image">
 <img alt="IMG_20200404_164612" class="wp-image-190176 gcloudimg" data-attachment-id="190176" data-comments-opened="1" data-image-meta='{"aperture":"1.89","credit":"","camera":"Redmi Note 8 Pro","caption":"","created_timestamp":"0","copyright":"","focal_length":"5.43","iso":"1604","shutter_speed":"0.019998","title":"","orientation":"6"}' data-image-title="IMG_20200404_164612" src="https://storage.googleapis.com/microcosmosdelta.appspot.com/images/transfer_190169/IMG_20200404_164612.jpg"/>
 <figcaption>
 Outermost Layer
 </figcaption>
</figure>

 I used a photo editing app to combine all these photographs by fading and overlayering to look at the cumulative effect of all three layers:

<figure class="wp-block-image">
 <img alt="PicsArt_04-08-04.56.01" class="wp-image-190177 gcloudimg" data-attachment-id="190177" 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="PicsArt_04-08-04.56.01" src="https://storage.googleapis.com/microcosmosdelta.appspot.com/images/transfer_190169/PicsArt_04-08-04.56.01.jpg"/>
 <figcaption>
 Combined picture
 </figcaption>
</figure>

 I found a really helpful article that describes different types of masks in reference to COVID-19; https://www.healthline.com/health/coronavirus-mas


 Manan

Surgical Mask

Onion Peel Cells

<img alt="IMG-20181205-WA0084" class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-93700 gcloudimg" data-attachment-id="93700" 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="IMG-20181205-WA0084" data-recalc-dims="1" height="300" src="https://storage.googleapis.com/microcosmosdelta.appspot.com/images/transfer_93699/IMG-20181205-WA0084.jpg" width="225"/>


 Here, the stele is very distinct from the cortex of the root. Vascular bundles can also be viewed, and are polyarche as is characteristic in monocot roots.


 The root is of an unidentified plant from my backyard. The section has been stained with safranine.


 Manan Suri (Grade XI)

Manan Suri

Earth

Posts

Filamentous Algae from an artificial pond

Stamen- With pollen inside pollen sacs

Aloe-

Rot in an Onion root (Nematodes, and an unidentified organism)

Locations

Statistics

Type of Sample

Foldscope Lens Magnification