Dorit Hockman

<p>
 Last year, the Division of Cell Biology in the Faculty of Health Science at the University of Cape Town organised two Foldscope workshops: one for teachers and another for leaners from local schools. This is part of larger initiative to introduce these fabulous tools into Cape Town classrooms to enhance the curriculum and encourage curiosity driven science. We assembled Foldscopes from scratch, using the excellent online tutorials as a guide, and had a great time using them to analyse leaf and insect samples.
</p>
<p>
 You can see from the teachers’ reactions in these beautiful photographs taken by Ravi Gajjar that the Foldscopes were a huge hit!
</p>
<figure class="wp-block-image">
 <img alt="Teacher_Workshop_Sept_2018_040" class="wp-image-123354 gcloudimg" data-attachment-id="123354" 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="Teacher_Workshop_Sept_2018_040" src="https://storage.googleapis.com/microcosmosdelta.appspot.com/images/transfer_123348/Teacher_Workshop_Sept_2018_040.jpg"/>
</figure>
<figure class="wp-block-image">
 <img alt="Teacher_Workshop_Sept_2018_062" class="wp-image-123355 gcloudimg" data-attachment-id="123355" 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="Teacher_Workshop_Sept_2018_062" src="https://storage.googleapis.com/microcosmosdelta.appspot.com/images/transfer_123348/Teacher_Workshop_Sept_2018_062.jpg"/>
</figure>
<figure class="wp-block-image">
 <img alt="Teacher_Workshop_Sept_2018_066" class="wp-image-123356 gcloudimg" data-attachment-id="123356" 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="Teacher_Workshop_Sept_2018_066" src="https://storage.googleapis.com/microcosmosdelta.appspot.com/images/transfer_123348/Teacher_Workshop_Sept_2018_066.jpg"/>
</figure>
<figure class="wp-block-image">
 <img alt="Teacher_Workshop_Sept_2018_079" class="wp-image-123357 gcloudimg" data-attachment-id="123357" 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="Teacher_Workshop_Sept_2018_079" src="https://storage.googleapis.com/microcosmosdelta.appspot.com/images/transfer_123348/Teacher_Workshop_Sept_2018_079.jpg"/>
</figure>
<figure class="wp-block-image">
 <img alt="Teacher_Workshop_Sept_2018_082" class="wp-image-123358 gcloudimg" data-attachment-id="123358" 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="Teacher_Workshop_Sept_2018_082" src="https://storage.googleapis.com/microcosmosdelta.appspot.com/images/transfer_123348/Teacher_Workshop_Sept_2018_082.jpg"/>
</figure>
<figure class="wp-block-image">
 <img alt="Teacher_Workshop_Sept_2018_092" class="wp-image-123360 gcloudimg" data-attachment-id="123360" 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="Teacher_Workshop_Sept_2018_092" src="https://storage.googleapis.com/microcosmosdelta.appspot.com/images/transfer_123348/Teacher_Workshop_Sept_2018_092.jpg"/>
</figure>
<figure class="wp-block-image">
 <img alt="Teacher_Workshop_Sept_2018_087" class="wp-image-123361 gcloudimg" data-attachment-id="123361" 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="Teacher_Workshop_Sept_2018_087" src="https://storage.googleapis.com/microcosmosdelta.appspot.com/images/transfer_123348/Teacher_Workshop_Sept_2018_087-1.jpg"/>
</figure>
<p>
 The learners really enjoyed assembling the Foldscopes and using them to examine leaves, ants and even their own eyelashes!
</p>
<figure class="wp-block-image">
 <img alt="20181002_122033" class="wp-image-123362 gcloudimg" data-attachment-id="123362" data-comments-opened="1" data-image-meta='{"aperture":"1.7","credit":"","camera":"SM-G950U1","caption":"","created_timestamp":"1538482832","copyright":"","focal_length":"2.95","iso":"50","shutter_speed":"0.02","title":"","orientation":"1"}' data-image-title="20181002_122033" src="https://storage.googleapis.com/microcosmosdelta.appspot.com/images/transfer_123348/20181002_122033.jpg"/>
</figure>
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   <img alt="20181003_094640" class="wp-image-123366 gcloudimg" data-attachment-id="123366" data-comments-opened="1" data-id="123366" data-image-meta='{"aperture":"1.7","credit":"","camera":"SM-G950U1","caption":"","created_timestamp":"1538560000","copyright":"","focal_length":"4.25","iso":"100","shutter_speed":"0.02","title":"","orientation":"6"}' data-image-title="20181003_094640" src="https://storage.googleapis.com/microcosmosdelta.appspot.com/images/transfer_123348/20181003_094640.jpg"/>
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   <img alt="20181003_094434" class="wp-image-123368 gcloudimg" data-attachment-id="123368" data-comments-opened="1" data-id="123368" data-image-meta='{"aperture":"1.7","credit":"","camera":"SM-G950U1","caption":"","created_timestamp":"1538559874","copyright":"","focal_length":"2.95","iso":"64","shutter_speed":"0.02","title":"","orientation":"8"}' data-image-title="20181003_094434" data-link="https://microcosmos.foldscope.com/?attachment_id=123368" src="https://storage.googleapis.com/microcosmosdelta.appspot.com/images/transfer_123348/20181003_094434-1.jpg"/>
  </figure>
 </li>
</ul>
<ul class="wp-block-gallery columns-2 is-cropped" data-carousel-extra='{"blog_id":1,"permalink":"https:\/\/microcosmos.foldscope.com\/?p=123348"}'>
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   <img alt="20181003_094942" class="wp-image-123364 gcloudimg" data-attachment-id="123364" data-comments-opened="1" data-id="123364" data-image-meta='{"aperture":"1.7","credit":"","camera":"SM-G950U1","caption":"","created_timestamp":"1538560182","copyright":"","focal_length":"4.25","iso":"64","shutter_speed":"0.02","title":"","orientation":"6"}' data-image-title="20181003_094942" data-link="https://microcosmos.foldscope.com/?attachment_id=123364" src="https://storage.googleapis.com/microcosmosdelta.appspot.com/images/transfer_123348/20181003_094942.jpg"/>
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  <figure>
   <img alt="20181003_101851" class="wp-image-123365 gcloudimg" data-attachment-id="123365" data-comments-opened="1" data-id="123365" data-image-meta='{"aperture":"1.7","credit":"","camera":"SM-G950U1","caption":"","created_timestamp":"1538561931","copyright":"","focal_length":"4.25","iso":"160","shutter_speed":"0.02","title":"","orientation":"6"}' data-image-title="20181003_101851" data-link="https://microcosmos.foldscope.com/?attachment_id=123365" src="https://storage.googleapis.com/microcosmosdelta.appspot.com/images/transfer_123348/20181003_101851.jpg"/>
  </figure>
 </li>
</ul>
<ul class="wp-block-gallery columns-2 is-cropped" data-carousel-extra='{"blog_id":1,"permalink":"https:\/\/microcosmos.foldscope.com\/?p=123348"}'>
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  <figure>
   <img alt="20181003_102145" class="wp-image-123369 gcloudimg" data-attachment-id="123369" data-comments-opened="1" data-id="123369" data-image-meta='{"aperture":"1.7","credit":"","camera":"SM-G950U1","caption":"","created_timestamp":"1538562105","copyright":"","focal_length":"4.25","iso":"200","shutter_speed":"0.037037037037037","title":"","orientation":"6"}' data-image-title="20181003_102145" data-link="https://microcosmos.foldscope.com/?attachment_id=123369" src="https://storage.googleapis.com/microcosmosdelta.appspot.com/images/transfer_123348/20181003_102145.jpg"/>
   <figcaption>
    Veins on a basil leaf
   </figcaption>
  </figure>
 </li>
 <li class="blocks-gallery-item">
  <figure>
   <img alt="20181003_095507" class="wp-image-123370 gcloudimg" data-attachment-id="123370" data-comments-opened="1" data-id="123370" data-image-meta='{"aperture":"1.7","credit":"","camera":"SM-G950U1","caption":"","created_timestamp":"1538560507","copyright":"","focal_length":"4.25","iso":"50","shutter_speed":"0.0057803468208092","title":"","orientation":"1"}' data-image-title="20181003_095507" data-link="https://microcosmos.foldscope.com/?attachment_id=123370" src="https://storage.googleapis.com/microcosmosdelta.appspot.com/images/transfer_123348/20181003_095507.jpg"/>
   <figcaption>
    The bulb of an eyelash
   </figcaption>
  </figure>
 </li>
</ul>
<p>
</p>


Cape Town Foldscope workshops in 2018

<p>
 This January, I was very lucky to be back in Mozambique and I brought my Foldscope along in anticipation of more exciting microscopic adventures. Most days, in heat of the late morning before the cool sea breeze started to blow onshore, hundreds of dragonflies danced in the air above the dune forests. A few unlucky specimens got trapped in the house and I took advantage of these few to examine their wings on the Foldscope.
</p>
<ul class="wp-block-gallery columns-1 is-cropped" data-carousel-extra='{"blog_id":1,"permalink":"https:\/\/microcosmos.foldscope.com\/?p=123377"}'>
 <li class="blocks-gallery-item">
  <figure>
   <img alt="20190112_162431" class="wp-image-123378 gcloudimg" data-attachment-id="123378" data-comments-opened="1" data-id="123378" data-image-meta='{"aperture":"1.7","credit":"","camera":"SM-G950U1","caption":"","created_timestamp":"1547310271","copyright":"","focal_length":"4.25","iso":"125","shutter_speed":"0.02","title":"","orientation":"1"}' data-image-title="20190112_162431" data-link="https://microcosmos.foldscope.com/?attachment_id=123378" src="https://storage.googleapis.com/microcosmosdelta.appspot.com/images/transfer_123377/20190112_162431.jpg"/>
   <figcaption>
    A Red Basker (
    <em>
     Urothemis assignata)
    </em>
   </figcaption>
  </figure>
 </li>
</ul>
<ul class="wp-block-gallery columns-1 is-cropped" data-carousel-extra='{"blog_id":1,"permalink":"https:\/\/microcosmos.foldscope.com\/?p=123377"}'>
 <li class="blocks-gallery-item">
  <figure>
   <img alt="20190112_162505" class="wp-image-123386 gcloudimg" data-attachment-id="123386" data-comments-opened="1" data-id="123386" data-image-meta='{"aperture":"1.7","credit":"","camera":"SM-G950U1","caption":"","created_timestamp":"1547310305","copyright":"","focal_length":"4.25","iso":"125","shutter_speed":"0.02","title":"","orientation":"1"}' data-image-title="20190112_162505" src="https://storage.googleapis.com/microcosmosdelta.appspot.com/images/transfer_123377/20190112_162505-1.jpg"/>
   <figcaption>
    Possibly a Phantom Flutterer (
    <em>
     Rhyothemis semihyalina
    </em>
    )
   </figcaption>
  </figure>
 </li>
</ul>
<p>
 I was really intrigued by the architecture of the front and back edges of the wings. I assume these microscopic bristle-like structures play a role in the ability of these creatures to hover in place in the air.
</p>
<ul class="wp-block-gallery columns-2 is-cropped" data-carousel-extra='{"blog_id":1,"permalink":"https:\/\/microcosmos.foldscope.com\/?p=123377"}'>
 <li class="blocks-gallery-item">
  <figure>
   <img alt="20190112_165411" class="wp-image-123379 gcloudimg" data-attachment-id="123379" data-comments-opened="1" data-id="123379" data-image-meta='{"aperture":"1.7","credit":"","camera":"SM-G950U1","caption":"","created_timestamp":"1547312051","copyright":"","focal_length":"4.25","iso":"400","shutter_speed":"0.1","title":"","orientation":"1"}' data-image-title="20190112_165411" data-link="https://microcosmos.foldscope.com/?attachment_id=123379" src="https://storage.googleapis.com/microcosmosdelta.appspot.com/images/transfer_123377/20190112_165411.jpg"/>
   <figcaption>
    Back edge of the hindwing
   </figcaption>
  </figure>
 </li>
 <li class="blocks-gallery-item">
  <figure>
   <img alt="20190112_165653" class="wp-image-123380 gcloudimg" data-attachment-id="123380" data-comments-opened="1" data-id="123380" data-image-meta='{"aperture":"1.7","credit":"","camera":"SM-G950U1","caption":"","created_timestamp":"1547312213","copyright":"","focal_length":"4.25","iso":"1000","shutter_speed":"0.1","title":"","orientation":"1"}' data-image-title="20190112_165653" data-link="https://microcosmos.foldscope.com/?attachment_id=123380" src="https://storage.googleapis.com/microcosmosdelta.appspot.com/images/transfer_123377/20190112_165653.jpg"/>
   <figcaption>
    Front edge of the hindwing
   </figcaption>
  </figure>
 </li>
</ul>
<p>
 The beautiful stained glass-like blocks of colour bordered by red veins on the Red Basker’s wings looked even more brilliant at high magnification
</p>
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   <img alt="20190112_164321" class="wp-image-123381 gcloudimg" data-attachment-id="123381" data-comments-opened="1" data-id="123381" data-image-meta='{"aperture":"1.7","credit":"","camera":"SM-G950U1","caption":"","created_timestamp":"1547311401","copyright":"","focal_length":"4.25","iso":"400","shutter_speed":"0.1","title":"","orientation":"1"}' data-image-title="20190112_164321" data-link="https://microcosmos.foldscope.com/?attachment_id=123381" src="https://storage.googleapis.com/microcosmosdelta.appspot.com/images/transfer_123377/20190112_164321.jpg"/>
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  <figure>
   <img alt="20190112_164535" class="wp-image-123382 gcloudimg" data-attachment-id="123382" data-comments-opened="1" data-id="123382" data-image-meta='{"aperture":"1.7","credit":"","camera":"SM-G950U1","caption":"","created_timestamp":"1547311535","copyright":"","focal_length":"4.25","iso":"200","shutter_speed":"0.058823529411765","title":"","orientation":"1"}' data-image-title="20190112_164535" data-link="https://microcosmos.foldscope.com/?attachment_id=123382" src="https://storage.googleapis.com/microcosmosdelta.appspot.com/images/transfer_123377/20190112_164535.jpg"/>
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  <figure>
   <img alt="20190112_165456" class="wp-image-123390 gcloudimg" data-attachment-id="123390" data-comments-opened="1" data-id="123390" data-image-meta='{"aperture":"1.7","credit":"","camera":"SM-G950U1","caption":"","created_timestamp":"1547312096","copyright":"","focal_length":"4.25","iso":"640","shutter_speed":"0.1","title":"","orientation":"1"}' data-image-title="20190112_165456" data-link="https://microcosmos.foldscope.com/?attachment_id=123390" src="https://storage.googleapis.com/microcosmosdelta.appspot.com/images/transfer_123377/20190112_165456-1.jpg"/>
  </figure>
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  <figure>
   <img alt="20190112_165253" class="wp-image-123391 gcloudimg" data-attachment-id="123391" data-comments-opened="1" data-id="123391" data-image-meta='{"aperture":"1.7","credit":"","camera":"SM-G950U1","caption":"","created_timestamp":"1547311973","copyright":"","focal_length":"4.25","iso":"50","shutter_speed":"0.0093457943925234","title":"","orientation":"1"}' data-image-title="20190112_165253" data-link="https://microcosmos.foldscope.com/?attachment_id=123391" src="https://storage.googleapis.com/microcosmosdelta.appspot.com/images/transfer_123377/20190112_165253.jpg"/>
  </figure>
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<p>
 I was also very surprised to see hook like structures associated with the veins in the centre of the wings.
</p>
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   <img alt="20190112_164833" class="wp-image-123383 gcloudimg" data-attachment-id="123383" data-comments-opened="1" data-id="123383" data-image-meta='{"aperture":"1.7","credit":"","camera":"SM-G950U1","caption":"","created_timestamp":"1547311713","copyright":"","focal_length":"4.25","iso":"500","shutter_speed":"0.1","title":"","orientation":"1"}' data-image-title="20190112_164833" data-link="https://microcosmos.foldscope.com/?attachment_id=123383" src="https://storage.googleapis.com/microcosmosdelta.appspot.com/images/transfer_123377/20190112_164833.jpg"/>
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   <img alt="20190112_165018" class="wp-image-123384 gcloudimg" data-attachment-id="123384" data-comments-opened="1" data-id="123384" data-image-meta='{"aperture":"1.7","credit":"","camera":"SM-G950U1","caption":"","created_timestamp":"1547311818","copyright":"","focal_length":"4.25","iso":"400","shutter_speed":"0.1","title":"","orientation":"1"}' data-image-title="20190112_165018" data-link="https://microcosmos.foldscope.com/?attachment_id=123384" src="https://storage.googleapis.com/microcosmosdelta.appspot.com/images/transfer_123377/20190112_165018.jpg"/>
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On the wings of a dragon(fly)

<p>
 I have just arrived back in South Africa from the UK. While spending the weekend visiting my parents in Jo’burg, I thought I’d take the opportunity to show them the microscopic wonders they may not have been aware of lurking in their very own garden.
</p>
<figure aria-describedby="caption-attachment-12610" class="wp-caption aligncenter" id="attachment_12610" style="width: 300px">
 <a alt="IMG_2228.jpg" class="gcloudimg" href="https://storage.googleapis.com/microcosmosdelta.appspot.com/images/transfer_12547/IMG_2228.jpg">
  <img alt="IMG_2228" class="wp-image-12610 size-medium gcloudimg" data-attachment-id="12610" data-comments-opened="1" data-image-meta='{"aperture":"2.4","credit":"","camera":"iPhone 4S","caption":"","created_timestamp":"1454160850","copyright":"","focal_length":"4.28","iso":"50","shutter_speed":"0.0028490028490028","title":"","orientation":"1"}' data-image-title="IMG_2228" data-recalc-dims="1" height="225" src="https://storage.googleapis.com/microcosmosdelta.appspot.com/images/transfer_12547/IMG_2228.jpg" width="300"/>
 </a>
 <figcaption class="wp-caption-text" id="caption-attachment-12610">
  <strong>
   My parents’ sunny Jo’burg garden
  </strong>
 </figcaption>
</figure>
<p>
 A tiny caterpillar (which I suspect was a very young larva of a geometer moth, also known as an inch-worm, due to its distinctive crawl) happened to inch its way across my arm, and I immediately went for my Foldcsope. This first image shows how tiny it was compared to the Foldcsope ruler, probably about 1.5mm in length. Under the scope, using the high mignification lens, iPhone attachment and LED light module, we could clearly see some surprisingly beautiful details on this tiny caterpillar. I was especially impressed by the beautiful spots that accompanied each tiny sensory hair along the length of the body (see “inch_worm” movie below).
</p>
<figure aria-describedby="caption-attachment-12548" class="wp-caption alignleft" id="attachment_12548" style="width: 419px">
 <a alt="1st_slide.jpg" class="gcloudimg" href="https://storage.googleapis.com/microcosmosdelta.appspot.com/images/transfer_12547/1st_slide.jpg">
  <img alt="Tiny inch worm" class="wp-image-12548 gcloudimg" data-attachment-id="12548" data-comments-opened="1" data-image-meta='{"aperture":"2.4","credit":"","camera":"iPhone 4S","caption":"","created_timestamp":"1454156622","copyright":"","focal_length":"4.28","iso":"64","shutter_speed":"0.0083333333333333","title":"","orientation":"1"}' data-image-title="1st_slide" data-recalc-dims="1" height="268" src="https://storage.googleapis.com/microcosmosdelta.appspot.com/images/transfer_12547/1st_slide.jpg" width="419"/>
 </a>
 <figcaption class="wp-caption-text" id="caption-attachment-12548">
  <strong>
   Tiny inch worm
  </strong>
 </figcaption>
</figure>
<p>
</p>
<div class="jetpack-video-wrapper">
 <div class="embed-vimeo" style="text-align: center;">
  <iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="563" mozallowfullscreen="" src="https://player.vimeo.com/video/154019161" webkitallowfullscreen="" width="1000">
  </iframe>
 </div>
</div>
<p>
 Inspired by the inch-worm, I went for a wonder around the garden to collect a menagerie of flora and fauna for my next slide. The image below shows the slide displaying a fruit fly I stole from an old spider’s web, a young aphid from a hibiscus plant, a piece of the stigma (top of the pollen tube) from the bright red flower of the same plant and a small piece of fern frond, including a single sorus or spore bundle.
</p>
<figure aria-describedby="caption-attachment-12549" class="wp-caption alignnone" id="attachment_12549" style="width: 300px">
 <a alt="2nd_slide.jpg" class="gcloudimg" href="https://storage.googleapis.com/microcosmosdelta.appspot.com/images/transfer_12547/2nd_slide.jpg">
  <img alt="2nd_slide" class="wp-image-12549 size-medium gcloudimg" data-attachment-id="12549" data-comments-opened="1" data-image-meta='{"aperture":"2.4","credit":"","camera":"iPhone 4S","caption":"","created_timestamp":"1454161997","copyright":"","focal_length":"4.28","iso":"50","shutter_speed":"0.016666666666667","title":"","orientation":"1"}' data-image-title="2nd_slide" data-recalc-dims="1" height="193" src="https://storage.googleapis.com/microcosmosdelta.appspot.com/images/transfer_12547/2nd_slide.jpg" width="300"/>
 </a>
 <figcaption class="wp-caption-text" id="caption-attachment-12549">
  <strong>
   A selection of flora and fauna
  </strong>
 </figcaption>
</figure>
<p>
 I focused on the fern frond first, and was intrigued by the striped pattern detailing the edge of each individual sporangium, where the spores are found in the sorus (shown below in the “Fern-frond” movie). The bright green cells of the leaf bordered by pure white veins, resembled a stained glass window pierced by rays of bright sunlight . The veins at the front edge were strikingly similar in arrangement to those I’d seen on the leading edge of a bee’s wing, during my first
 <a alt="p5uBMl-2sw" class="gcloudimg" href="https://storage.googleapis.com/microcosmosdelta.appspot.com/images/transfer_12547/p5uBMl-2sw">
  Foldscope adventure
 </a>
 . In the image below the movie, you can see them side-by-side. When I mentioned this to my mom, a mathematician, she immediately started pondering the mathematical principles that likely underlie the development of this striking example of convergent evolution.
</p>
<div class="jetpack-video-wrapper">
 <div class="embed-vimeo" style="text-align: center;">
  <iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="563" mozallowfullscreen="" src="https://player.vimeo.com/video/154019822" webkitallowfullscreen="" width="1000">
  </iframe>
 </div>
</div>
<figure aria-describedby="caption-attachment-12553" class="wp-caption alignnone" id="attachment_12553" style="width: 405px">
 <a alt="bee_leaf_comp.jpg" class="gcloudimg" href="https://storage.googleapis.com/microcosmosdelta.appspot.com/images/transfer_12547/bee_leaf_comp.jpg">
  <img alt="bee_leaf_comp" class="wp-image-12553 gcloudimg" data-attachment-id="12553" 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="bee_leaf_comp" data-recalc-dims="1" height="235" src="https://storage.googleapis.com/microcosmosdelta.appspot.com/images/transfer_12547/bee_leaf_comp.jpg" width="405"/>
 </a>
 <figcaption class="wp-caption-text" id="caption-attachment-12553">
  <strong>
   Comparing the branching veins of a bee’s wing to those in a fern frond
  </strong>
 </figcaption>
</figure>
<p>
 Moving onto the aphid, the colours of this tiny arthropod (which I slightly squished, so is surrounded by yellow liquid in the “aphid” movie below) were astounding: the beautiful burnt orange of its abdomen were in striking contrast to the completely translucent, ghostly appearance of its legs. So too was the bright magenta of the hibiscus stamen, shown below the aphid movie.
</p>
<div class="jetpack-video-wrapper">
 <div class="embed-vimeo" style="text-align: center;">
  <iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="563" mozallowfullscreen="" src="https://player.vimeo.com/video/154019841" webkitallowfullscreen="" width="1000">
  </iframe>
 </div>
</div>
<figure aria-describedby="caption-attachment-12550" class="wp-caption alignnone" id="attachment_12550" style="width: 295px">
 <a alt="hibiscus.jpg" class="gcloudimg" href="https://storage.googleapis.com/microcosmosdelta.appspot.com/images/transfer_12547/hibiscus.jpg">
  <img alt="Hibiscus" class="wp-image-12550 size-medium gcloudimg" data-attachment-id="12550" data-comments-opened="1" data-image-meta='{"aperture":"2.4","credit":"","camera":"iPhone 4S","caption":"","created_timestamp":"1454159979","copyright":"","focal_length":"4.28","iso":"50","shutter_speed":"0.033333333333333","title":"","orientation":"1"}' data-image-title="hibiscus" data-recalc-dims="1" height="300" src="https://storage.googleapis.com/microcosmosdelta.appspot.com/images/transfer_12547/hibiscus.jpg" width="295"/>
 </a>
 <figcaption class="wp-caption-text" id="caption-attachment-12550">
  <strong>
   Hibiscus stamen
  </strong>
 </figcaption>
</figure>
<p>
 Finally, I moved on to the fruit fly, which had probably been decaying for while in the spider’s web. The wings were still in tact so, I focused on the leading edge of the wing and discovered what I suspect must be a broad patch of sensory bristles at the leading edge of the wing. I wonder how the anatomy this patch varies in different species? I will have to try find some more flies!
</p>
<p>
 Watch this space for more microscopic adventures from Cape Town, my next destination!
</p>
<figure aria-describedby="caption-attachment-12552" class="wp-caption alignnone" id="attachment_12552" style="width: 275px">
 <a alt="fly_wing.jpg" class="gcloudimg" href="https://storage.googleapis.com/microcosmosdelta.appspot.com/images/transfer_12547/fly_wing.jpg">
  <img alt="fly_wing" class="wp-image-12552 size-medium gcloudimg" data-attachment-id="12552" data-comments-opened="1" data-image-meta='{"aperture":"2.4","credit":"","camera":"iPhone 4S","caption":"","created_timestamp":"1454159643","copyright":"","focal_length":"4.28","iso":"50","shutter_speed":"0.0021367521367521","title":"","orientation":"1"}' data-image-title="fly_wing" data-recalc-dims="1" height="300" src="https://storage.googleapis.com/microcosmosdelta.appspot.com/images/transfer_12547/fly_wing.jpg" width="275"/>
 </a>
 <figcaption class="wp-caption-text" id="caption-attachment-12552">
  <strong>
   The leading edge of a fly’s wing
  </strong>
 </figcaption>
</figure>


Microscopic explorations in a Jo’burg garden

<p>
 My Foldscope has made me increasingly fascinated by insect wings, and so I was very excited when I happened across a couple deceased butterflies that were still in a good enough condition to mount and examine. The first was in a pile of dead leaves in my Cape Town garden, and the second met its end in the grill in the front of my rental car as I was driving from Port Elizabeth to Grahamstown. After reading
 <a href="https://microcosmos.foldscope.com/?p=10080">
  Aaron’s post on butterfly wings
 </a>
 , I am happy to be able to add to the Foldscope butterfly scale library, as well as expose some fascinating butterfly anatomy.
</p>
<p>
 Butterfly 1: Garden Acraea (
 <em>
  Acrea horta
 </em>
 )
</p>
<p>
 <img alt="butterfly_1" class="wp-image-13830 aligncenter gcloudimg" data-attachment-id="13830" data-comments-opened="1" data-image-meta='{"aperture":"2.4","credit":"","camera":"iPhone 4S","caption":"","created_timestamp":"1456075528","copyright":"","focal_length":"4.28","iso":"160","shutter_speed":"0.05","title":"","orientation":"1"}' data-image-title="butterfly_1" data-recalc-dims="1" height="261" src="https://storage.googleapis.com/microcosmosdelta.appspot.com/images/transfer_13829/butterfly_1.jpg" width="453"/>
</p>
<p>
 This butterfly is common in South African gardens, as is easily identifiable by its transparent forewings, which are distinct from its bright orange and black hindwings. I mounted a piece of each wing.
</p>
<p>
 <img alt="butterfly_1_slide" class="wp-image-13831 aligncenter gcloudimg" data-attachment-id="13831" data-comments-opened="1" data-image-meta='{"aperture":"2.4","credit":"","camera":"iPhone 4S","caption":"","created_timestamp":"1457188387","copyright":"","focal_length":"4.28","iso":"64","shutter_speed":"0.05","title":"","orientation":"1"}' data-image-title="butterfly_1_slide" data-recalc-dims="1" height="312" src="https://storage.googleapis.com/microcosmosdelta.appspot.com/images/transfer_13829/butterfly_1_slide.jpg" width="454"/>
</p>
<p>
 The scales on the forewing consist mostly of forked hair-like scales. Scattered amongst them are broader tile-shaped scales, which seemed more prominent near veins.
</p>
<div class="jetpack-video-wrapper">
 <div class="embed-vimeo" style="text-align: center;">
  <iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="563" mozallowfullscreen="" src="https://player.vimeo.com/video/158344100" webkitallowfullscreen="" width="1000">
  </iframe>
 </div>
</div>
<p>
 <img alt="forewing_1" class="wp-image-13833 aligncenter gcloudimg" data-attachment-id="13833" data-comments-opened="1" data-image-meta='{"aperture":"2.4","credit":"","camera":"iPhone 4S","caption":"","created_timestamp":"1456077277","copyright":"","focal_length":"4.28","iso":"50","shutter_speed":"0.0053191489361702","title":"","orientation":"6"}' data-image-title="forewing_1" data-recalc-dims="1" height="340" src="https://storage.googleapis.com/microcosmosdelta.appspot.com/images/transfer_13829/forewing_1.jpg" width="453"/>
</p>
<p>
 On the hindwing, the forked scale scales are concentrated at the wing edge, while the rest of the wing is populated with wider tile-shaped scales, coloured black, orange or transparent. The veins form beautiful yellow stripes under the scales.
</p>
<div class="jetpack-video-wrapper">
 <div class="embed-vimeo" style="text-align: center;">
  <iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="563" mozallowfullscreen="" src="https://player.vimeo.com/video/158344102" webkitallowfullscreen="" width="1000">
  </iframe>
 </div>
</div>
<p>
 <img alt="forewing_1" class="wp-image-13837 aligncenter gcloudimg" data-attachment-id="13837" data-comments-opened="1" data-image-meta='{"aperture":"2.4","credit":"","camera":"iPhone 4S","caption":"","created_timestamp":"1456077277","copyright":"","focal_length":"4.28","iso":"50","shutter_speed":"0.0053191489361702","title":"","orientation":"6"}' data-image-title="forewing_1" data-recalc-dims="1" height="213" src="https://storage.googleapis.com/microcosmosdelta.appspot.com/images/transfer_13829/forewing_1-1.jpg" width="284"/>
 <img alt="hindwing_1" class="wp-image-13836 aligncenter gcloudimg" data-attachment-id="13836" data-comments-opened="1" data-image-meta='{"aperture":"2.4","credit":"","camera":"iPhone 4S","caption":"","created_timestamp":"1456076684","copyright":"","focal_length":"4.28","iso":"64","shutter_speed":"0.016666666666667","title":"","orientation":"6"}' data-image-title="hindwing_1" data-recalc-dims="1" height="212" src="https://storage.googleapis.com/microcosmosdelta.appspot.com/images/transfer_13829/hindwing_1.jpg" width="283"/>
 <img alt="hindwing_2" class="wp-image-13835 aligncenter gcloudimg" data-attachment-id="13835" data-comments-opened="1" data-image-meta='{"aperture":"2.4","credit":"","camera":"iPhone 4S","caption":"","created_timestamp":"1456076701","copyright":"","focal_length":"4.28","iso":"64","shutter_speed":"0.033333333333333","title":"","orientation":"6"}' data-image-title="hindwing_2" data-recalc-dims="1" height="210" src="https://storage.googleapis.com/microcosmosdelta.appspot.com/images/transfer_13829/hindwing_2.jpg" width="280"/>
</p>
<p>
</p>
<p>
 Butterfly 2: most likely a Cabbage White (
 <em>
  Pieris brassicae
 </em>
 )
</p>
<p>
 <img alt="IMG_2421_edit" class="wp-image-13838 aligncenter gcloudimg" data-attachment-id="13838" data-comments-opened="1" data-image-meta='{"aperture":"2.4","credit":"","camera":"iPhone 4S","caption":"","created_timestamp":"1456501418","copyright":"","focal_length":"4.28","iso":"64","shutter_speed":"0.016666666666667","title":"","orientation":"1"}' data-image-title="IMG_2421_edit" data-recalc-dims="1" height="389" src="https://storage.googleapis.com/microcosmosdelta.appspot.com/images/transfer_13829/IMG_2421_edit.jpg" width="344"/>
</p>
<p>
 These butterflies were introduced to South Africa, and are common in Cape Town gardens and in the Eastern Cape (where I was driving). I dissected and mounted several parts of the butterfly individually.
</p>
<p>
 <img alt="butterfly_2_slide" class="wp-image-13839 aligncenter gcloudimg" data-attachment-id="13839" data-comments-opened="1" data-image-meta='{"aperture":"2.4","credit":"","camera":"iPhone 4S","caption":"","created_timestamp":"1457188322","copyright":"","focal_length":"4.28","iso":"50","shutter_speed":"0.025","title":"","orientation":"1"}' data-image-title="butterfly_2_slide" data-recalc-dims="1" height="360" src="https://storage.googleapis.com/microcosmosdelta.appspot.com/images/transfer_13829/butterfly_2_slide.jpg" width="431"/>
</p>
<p>
 The scales on the wings were a beautiful pearly white, streaked with brown and blue patches, as well as strange blue veins.
</p>
<p>
 <img alt="butterfly_2_wing1" class="size-medium wp-image-13843 aligncenter gcloudimg" data-attachment-id="13843" data-comments-opened="1" data-image-meta='{"aperture":"2.4","credit":"","camera":"iPhone 4S","caption":"","created_timestamp":"1457188747","copyright":"","focal_length":"4.28","iso":"50","shutter_speed":"0.0049019607843137","title":"","orientation":"6"}' data-image-title="butterfly_2_wing1" data-recalc-dims="1" height="225" src="https://storage.googleapis.com/microcosmosdelta.appspot.com/images/transfer_13829/butterfly_2_wing1.jpg" width="300"/>
</p>
<p>
 <img alt="IMG_2466" class="size-medium wp-image-13840 aligncenter gcloudimg" data-attachment-id="13840" data-comments-opened="1" data-image-meta='{"aperture":"2.4","credit":"","camera":"iPhone 4S","caption":"","created_timestamp":"1457189071","copyright":"","focal_length":"4.28","iso":"50","shutter_speed":"0.0089285714285714","title":"","orientation":"6"}' data-image-title="IMG_2466" data-recalc-dims="1" height="225" src="https://storage.googleapis.com/microcosmosdelta.appspot.com/images/transfer_13829/IMG_2466.jpg" width="300"/>
</p>
<p>
 <img alt="IMG_2465" class="size-medium wp-image-13841 aligncenter gcloudimg" data-attachment-id="13841" data-comments-opened="1" data-image-meta='{"aperture":"2.4","credit":"","camera":"iPhone 4S","caption":"","created_timestamp":"1457189035","copyright":"","focal_length":"4.28","iso":"50","shutter_speed":"0.016666666666667","title":"","orientation":"6"}' data-image-title="IMG_2465" data-recalc-dims="1" height="225" src="https://storage.googleapis.com/microcosmosdelta.appspot.com/images/transfer_13829/IMG_2465.jpg" width="300"/>
</p>
<p>
 <img alt="butterfly_2_wing2" class="size-medium wp-image-13842 aligncenter gcloudimg" data-attachment-id="13842" data-comments-opened="1" data-image-meta='{"aperture":"2.4","credit":"","camera":"iPhone 4S","caption":"","created_timestamp":"1457190378","copyright":"","focal_length":"4.28","iso":"50","shutter_speed":"0.0027700831024931","title":"","orientation":"1"}' data-image-title="butterfly_2_wing2" data-recalc-dims="1" height="225" src="https://storage.googleapis.com/microcosmosdelta.appspot.com/images/transfer_13829/butterfly_2_wing2.jpg" width="300"/>
 <br/>
 <img alt="IMG_2463" class="size-medium wp-image-13844 aligncenter gcloudimg" data-attachment-id="13844" data-comments-opened="1" data-image-meta='{"aperture":"2.4","credit":"","camera":"iPhone 4S","caption":"","created_timestamp":"1457188974","copyright":"","focal_length":"4.28","iso":"50","shutter_speed":"0.0083333333333333","title":"","orientation":"6"}' data-image-title="IMG_2463" data-recalc-dims="1" height="225" src="https://storage.googleapis.com/microcosmosdelta.appspot.com/images/transfer_13829/IMG_2463.jpg" width="300"/>
</p>
<p>
 And finally… the most exciting structure to see was the proboscis. I could clearly see the paired structure, patterned with green and brown, and ending in a beautiful tight spiral. I had no idea that the mouthparts looked this cool up close!
</p>
<div class="jetpack-video-wrapper">
 <div class="embed-vimeo" style="text-align: center;">
  <iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="563" mozallowfullscreen="" src="https://player.vimeo.com/video/158344101" webkitallowfullscreen="" width="1000">
  </iframe>
 </div>
</div>
<p>
 PS I just showed the Foldscope to group of honours students here at the University of Cape Town and they are SUPER excited about it!!! So expect some new Foldscope ambassadors soon…
 <img alt="IMG_2507" class="wp-image-13885 aligncenter gcloudimg" data-attachment-id="13885" data-comments-opened="1" data-image-meta='{"aperture":"2.4","credit":"","camera":"iPhone 4S","caption":"","created_timestamp":"1457607331","copyright":"","focal_length":"4.28","iso":"80","shutter_speed":"0.05","title":"","orientation":"1"}' data-image-title="IMG_2507" data-recalc-dims="1" height="320" src="https://storage.googleapis.com/microcosmosdelta.appspot.com/images/transfer_13829/IMG_2507.jpg" width="427"/>
</p>
<p class="winnower-cite-link">
 DOI:
 <a href="https://dx.doi.org/10.15200/winn.145764.47776" target="_blank">
  10.15200/winn.145764.47776
 </a>
 provided by
 <a href="https://thewinnower.com">
  The Winnower
 </a>
 , a DIY scholarly publishing platform
</p>

Butterfly beauty!

<p>
 <img alt="image" class="gcloudimg" data-recalc-dims="1" src="https://storage.googleapis.com/microcosmosdelta.appspot.com/images/transfer_199901/de2e9ea3-7894-479a-a381-a1ef85f3e818.jpg"/>
 <img alt="image" class="gcloudimg" data-recalc-dims="1" src="https://storage.googleapis.com/microcosmosdelta.appspot.com/images/transfer_199901/2b6abd4c-5a09-47f7-9dfa-954d6090bea2.jpg"/>
 <img alt="image" class="gcloudimg" data-recalc-dims="1" src="https://storage.googleapis.com/microcosmosdelta.appspot.com/images/transfer_199901/8f6dbca4-ebf5-45cf-828b-1e53234daa52.jpg"/>
 <img alt="image" class="gcloudimg" data-recalc-dims="1" src="https://storage.googleapis.com/microcosmosdelta.appspot.com/images/transfer_199901/e28510df-c287-44fa-9f11-9ee33c6f62af.jpg"/>
</p>
<p>
 A gecko that was sitting above my garden door took fright when I opened the door and dropped its tail. I took advantage of this situation and saved the tail for some Foldscope explorations. It was incredible to see the variability in the pigment distribution, colour and pattern on the scales. Some areas are sparsely patterned with small black pigment cells, while others have dense black patches intermingled with some yellow regions. Beautiful! (P.S this is my first time on the Foldscope App. Great idea!)
</p>


Scales on a gecko tail

<p>
 Last week I had an amazing opportunity to introduce learners from a  local school to Foldcsopes as part of a mini science forum organised by the Department of Science and Technology at the
 <a alt="ctsc.org.za" class="gcloudimg" href="https://storage.googleapis.com/microcosmosdelta.appspot.com/images/transfer_28224/ctsc.org.za">
  Cape Town Science Centre
 </a>
 . I was one of the academics at the University of Cape Town’s exhibition table. Everyone, from the school kids to the director of the Science Centre was blown away by the Foldscopes!
</p>
<p>
 <img alt="20171101_105025" class="size-medium wp-image-28228 alignleft gcloudimg" data-attachment-id="28228" data-comments-opened="1" data-image-meta='{"aperture":"1.7","credit":"","camera":"SM-G950U1","caption":"","created_timestamp":"1509533425","copyright":"","focal_length":"4.25","iso":"50","shutter_speed":"0.0067567567567568","title":"","orientation":"6"}' data-image-title="20171101_105025" data-recalc-dims="1" height="300" src="https://storage.googleapis.com/microcosmosdelta.appspot.com/images/transfer_28224/20171101_105025.jpg" width="225"/>
 <img alt="20171101_094841" class="alignnone wp-image-28231 gcloudimg" data-attachment-id="28231" data-comments-opened="1" data-image-meta='{"aperture":"1.7","credit":"","camera":"SM-G950U1","caption":"","created_timestamp":"1509529721","copyright":"","focal_length":"4.25","iso":"64","shutter_speed":"0.0083333333333333","title":"","orientation":"6"}' data-image-title="20171101_094841" data-recalc-dims="1" height="299" src="https://storage.googleapis.com/microcosmosdelta.appspot.com/images/transfer_28224/20171101_094841.jpg" width="399"/>
</p>
<p>
 We assembled Foldscopes together and the leaners had the opportunity to explore the microscopic world for the first time! I had several glass and paper slides prepared for the day, including a dissected Christmas Beetle and a drain fly.  I was really excited to give three girls from the school the chance to assemble and take home their very own Foldscopes.
</p>
<p>
 <img alt="IMG_0137" class="wp-image-28236 alignnone gcloudimg" data-attachment-id="28236" data-comments-opened="1" data-image-meta='{"aperture":"4.5","credit":"","camera":"Canon EOS 1300D","caption":"","created_timestamp":"1459282018","copyright":"","focal_length":"29","iso":"250","shutter_speed":"0.0125","title":"","orientation":"1"}' data-image-title="IMG_0137" data-recalc-dims="1" height="301" src="https://storage.googleapis.com/microcosmosdelta.appspot.com/images/transfer_28224/IMG_0137.jpg" width="452"/>
 <img alt="20171101_120341" class="wp-image-28233 alignnone gcloudimg" data-attachment-id="28233" data-comments-opened="1" data-image-meta='{"aperture":"1.7","credit":"","camera":"SM-G950U1","caption":"","created_timestamp":"1509537821","copyright":"","focal_length":"4.25","iso":"100","shutter_speed":"0.016666666666667","title":"","orientation":"6"}' data-image-title="20171101_120341" data-recalc-dims="1" height="300" src="https://storage.googleapis.com/microcosmosdelta.appspot.com/images/transfer_28224/20171101_120341.jpg" style="font-size: 1.8rem" width="225"/>
</p>
<p>
 <img alt="IMG_0141" class="size-medium wp-image-28238 alignleft gcloudimg" data-attachment-id="28238" data-comments-opened="1" data-image-meta='{"aperture":"3.5","credit":"","camera":"Canon EOS 1300D","caption":"","created_timestamp":"1459282329","copyright":"","focal_length":"21","iso":"500","shutter_speed":"0.0125","title":"","orientation":"1"}' data-image-title="IMG_0141" data-recalc-dims="1" height="200" src="https://storage.googleapis.com/microcosmosdelta.appspot.com/images/transfer_28224/IMG_0141.jpg" style="font-size: 1.8rem" width="300"/>
 <img alt="IMG_0139" class="size-medium wp-image-28237 alignnone gcloudimg" data-attachment-id="28237" data-comments-opened="1" data-image-meta='{"aperture":"5.6","credit":"","camera":"Canon EOS 1300D","caption":"","created_timestamp":"1459282193","copyright":"","focal_length":"41","iso":"800","shutter_speed":"0.01","title":"","orientation":"1"}' data-image-title="IMG_0139" data-recalc-dims="1" height="200" src="https://storage.googleapis.com/microcosmosdelta.appspot.com/images/transfer_28224/IMG_0139.jpg" style="font-size: 1.8rem" width="300"/>
 <img alt="20171101_131409" class="size-medium wp-image-28235 alignleft gcloudimg" data-attachment-id="28235" data-comments-opened="1" data-image-meta='{"aperture":"1.7","credit":"","camera":"SM-G950U1","caption":"","created_timestamp":"1509542049","copyright":"","focal_length":"4.25","iso":"200","shutter_speed":"0.016666666666667","title":"","orientation":"6"}' data-image-title="20171101_131409" data-recalc-dims="1" height="300" src="https://storage.googleapis.com/microcosmosdelta.appspot.com/images/transfer_28224/20171101_131409.jpg" width="225"/>
 <img alt="20171101_131029" class="size-medium wp-image-28234 alignnone gcloudimg" data-attachment-id="28234" data-comments-opened="1" data-image-meta='{"aperture":"1.7","credit":"","camera":"SM-G950U1","caption":"","created_timestamp":"1509541829","copyright":"","focal_length":"4.25","iso":"50","shutter_speed":"0.0015151515151515","title":"","orientation":"3"}' data-image-title="20171101_131029" data-recalc-dims="1" height="225" src="https://storage.googleapis.com/microcosmosdelta.appspot.com/images/transfer_28224/20171101_131029.jpg" style="font-size: 1.8rem" width="300"/>
 <img alt="20171031_190644" class="size-medium wp-image-28229 alignnone gcloudimg" data-attachment-id="28229" data-comments-opened="1" data-image-meta='{"aperture":"1.7","credit":"","camera":"SM-G950U1","caption":"","created_timestamp":"1509476804","copyright":"","focal_length":"4.25","iso":"50","shutter_speed":"0.0023640661938534","title":"","orientation":"6"}' data-image-title="20171031_190644" data-recalc-dims="1" height="225" src="https://storage.googleapis.com/microcosmosdelta.appspot.com/images/transfer_28224/20171031_190644.jpg" style="font-size: 1.8rem" width="300"/>
</p>
<p>
 The Foldscope images above show the hairs on the leading edge of the Christmas beetle wing and an antenna from the drain fly.
</p>


Foldscopes at the Cape Town Science Centre (South Africa)

<p>
 Recently, I had an amazing opportunity to try out my brand new Foldscope that I got through the Kickstarter campaign. I was on holiday near XaiXai in Mozambique and took my Foldscope to the beach to see what I could find. Two different cnidarian species had washed up on the beach: blue bottles (also known as Portuguese man o’ war;
 <em>
  Physalia physalis
 </em>
 ) and by-the-wind-sailor (
 <em>
  Velella vellela
 </em>
 ). I was really excited  to see if I could find their stinging cells, also known as nematocysts. I collected my samples in some sea water and used the forceps in the deluxe Foldcsope kit to handle these little creatures to avoid getting stung.
</p>
<p>
 A couple blue bottle samples in a Foldscope bag, and a cutting from one of their tentacles mounted on a slide with the PVC coverslip:
</p>
<p>
 <img alt="20180114_174429" class="wp-image-31870 aligncenter gcloudimg" data-attachment-id="31870" data-comments-opened="1" data-image-meta='{"aperture":"1.7","credit":"","camera":"SM-G950U1","caption":"","created_timestamp":"1515951869","copyright":"","focal_length":"4.25","iso":"64","shutter_speed":"0.0083333333333333","title":"","orientation":"6"}' data-image-title="20180114_174429" data-recalc-dims="1" height="375" src="https://storage.googleapis.com/microcosmosdelta.appspot.com/images/transfer_31868/20180114_174429.jpg" width="281"/>
</p>
<p>
 <img alt="20180114_174910" class="size-medium wp-image-31873 aligncenter gcloudimg" data-attachment-id="31873" data-comments-opened="1" data-image-meta='{"aperture":"1.7","credit":"","camera":"SM-G950U1","caption":"","created_timestamp":"1515952150","copyright":"","focal_length":"4.25","iso":"80","shutter_speed":"0.016666666666667","title":"","orientation":"6"}' data-image-title="20180114_174910" data-recalc-dims="1" height="225" src="https://storage.googleapis.com/microcosmosdelta.appspot.com/images/transfer_31868/20180114_174910.jpg" width="300"/>
</p>
<p>
</p>
<p>
 It was amazing to see the beautiful rounded nematocysts arranged on  the bulbous tubular tentacle:
</p>
<p>
 <img alt="20180114_182346" class="wp-image-31872 aligncenter gcloudimg" data-attachment-id="31872" data-comments-opened="1" data-image-meta='{"aperture":"1.7","credit":"","camera":"SM-G950U1","caption":"","created_timestamp":"1515954226","copyright":"","focal_length":"4.25","iso":"100","shutter_speed":"0.016666666666667","title":"","orientation":"6"}' data-image-title="20180114_182346" data-recalc-dims="1" height="284" src="https://storage.googleapis.com/microcosmosdelta.appspot.com/images/transfer_31868/20180114_182346.jpg" width="379"/>
</p>
<p>
 <img alt="20180114_175546" class="wp-image-31871 aligncenter gcloudimg" data-attachment-id="31871" data-comments-opened="1" data-image-meta='{"aperture":"1.7","credit":"","camera":"SM-G950U1","caption":"","created_timestamp":"1515952546","copyright":"","focal_length":"4.25","iso":"50","shutter_speed":"0.0053763440860215","title":"","orientation":"6"}' data-image-title="20180114_175546" data-recalc-dims="1" height="281" src="https://storage.googleapis.com/microcosmosdelta.appspot.com/images/transfer_31868/20180114_175546.jpg" width="375"/>
</p>
<p>
 And I could also watch liquid circulating inside the tentacle:
</p>
<div class="video-player" id="v-ALlrDJv6-1">
 <iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="1000" src="https://videopress.com/embed/ALlrDJv6?hd=1&amp;loop=0&amp;autoPlay=0&amp;permalink=1" width="562">
 </iframe>
 <script src="https://s0.wp.com/wp-content/plugins/video/assets/js/next/videopress-iframe.js">
 </script>
</div>
<p>
</p>
<p>
 The by-the-wind-sailor was even more intriguing. I cut off and mounted a few tentacles from its underside and was astounded by their amazing colours… a mixture of yellows, greens and blues! Similarly shaped nematocysts were also present. It was interesting to compare the tightly coiled, bulbous structure of the blue bottle tentacle to the by-the-wind-sailors more relaxed tentacle structure.
</p>
<p>
 <img alt="20180118_173125" class="wp-image-31874 aligncenter gcloudimg" data-attachment-id="31874" data-comments-opened="1" data-image-meta='{"aperture":"1.7","credit":"","camera":"SM-G950U1","caption":"","created_timestamp":"1516296684","copyright":"","focal_length":"4.25","iso":"125","shutter_speed":"0.016666666666667","title":"","orientation":"6"}' data-image-title="20180118_173125" data-recalc-dims="1" height="420" src="https://storage.googleapis.com/microcosmosdelta.appspot.com/images/transfer_31868/20180118_173125.jpg" width="367"/>
</p>
<p>
 <img alt="20180118_172429" class="wp-image-31876 aligncenter gcloudimg" data-attachment-id="31876" data-comments-opened="1" data-image-meta='{"aperture":"1.7","credit":"","camera":"SM-G950U1","caption":"","created_timestamp":"1516296269","copyright":"","focal_length":"4.25","iso":"50","shutter_speed":"0.0076923076923077","title":"","orientation":"6"}' data-image-title="20180118_172429" data-recalc-dims="1" height="479" src="https://storage.googleapis.com/microcosmosdelta.appspot.com/images/transfer_31868/20180118_172429.jpg" width="359"/>
</p>
<p>
 It was also possible to see liquid and particles (food?) circulating inside these tentacles:
</p>
<div class="video-player" id="v-wU5yvyqc-1">
 <iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="1000" src="https://videopress.com/embed/wU5yvyqc?hd=1&amp;loop=0&amp;autoPlay=0&amp;permalink=1" width="562">
 </iframe>
 <script src="https://s0.wp.com/wp-content/plugins/video/assets/js/next/videopress-iframe.js">
 </script>
</div>
<p>
 When I cut off the by-the-wind-sailor tentacles I must have cut through one of the gonozooids as I think I released some eggs:
</p>
<p>
 <img alt="20180118_171722" class="wp-image-31875 aligncenter gcloudimg" data-attachment-id="31875" data-comments-opened="1" data-image-meta='{"aperture":"1.7","credit":"","camera":"SM-G950U1","caption":"","created_timestamp":"1516295841","copyright":"","focal_length":"4.25","iso":"50","shutter_speed":"0.0038759689922481","title":"","orientation":"6"}' data-image-title="20180118_171722" data-recalc-dims="1" height="341" src="https://storage.googleapis.com/microcosmosdelta.appspot.com/images/transfer_31868/20180118_171722.jpg" width="455"/>
</p>
<p>
 My Foldscope is definitely coming to the beach with me again in the future!
</p>


Cnidarian explorations in Mozambique

<p>
 I am very happy to be the proud owner of a Foldscope after meeting Manu and hearing about the Foldscope at the Society for Developmental Biology meeting in Seattle last year and again at the Pan-American Society for Evolutionary Developmental Biology meeting at Berkley. He has very kindly given me some Foldscopes which I will be using to teach school students in disadvantaged communities in South Africa how to conduct their own scientific experiments in their backyards, in collaboration with the amazing local NGO,
 <a alt="ikamvayouth.org" class="gcloudimg" href="https://storage.googleapis.com/microcosmosdelta.appspot.com/images/transfer_9456/ikamvayouth.org">
  IkamvaYouth
 </a>
 .
</p>
<p>
 To start preparing and brainstorming for this project I looked to my own backyard in Cape Town  to find my first Foldscope sample. Luckliy for me, a bee had met its demise on my doorstep and I could carefully remove a leg and wing to mount on my Foldscope slide, without worrying about being stung. Below are some of the amazing features I could discern with the high magnification lens and the iPhone attachment, using the LED light attachment:
</p>
<p>
 I was amazed by how clearly you could see the veins and tiny hairs of the wing. This shows the benefit of mounting transparent structures on the Foldscope.
 <br/>
 <a alt="IMG_18592.jpg" class="gcloudimg" href="https://storage.googleapis.com/microcosmosdelta.appspot.com/images/transfer_9456/IMG_18592.jpg">
  <img alt="IMG_1859" class="size-medium wp-image-9469 aligncenter gcloudimg" data-attachment-id="9469" data-comments-opened="1" data-image-meta='{"aperture":"2.4","credit":"","camera":"iPhone 4S","caption":"","created_timestamp":"1442164079","copyright":"","focal_length":"4.28","iso":"50","shutter_speed":"0.025","title":"","orientation":"1"}' data-image-title="IMG_1859" data-recalc-dims="1" height="268" src="https://storage.googleapis.com/microcosmosdelta.appspot.com/images/transfer_9456/IMG_18592.jpg" width="300"/>
 </a>
</p>
<p>
 I could also clearly see the long specialised hairs on the bee’s leg in the region of the “pollen-basket” where it carries it small bags of pollen, as well as the shorter hairs in the region of the “pollen-brush”
</p>
<p>
 <a alt="IMG_18631.jpg" class="gcloudimg" href="https://storage.googleapis.com/microcosmosdelta.appspot.com/images/transfer_9456/IMG_18631.jpg">
  <img alt="IMG_1863" class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-9472 gcloudimg" data-attachment-id="9472" data-comments-opened="1" data-image-meta='{"aperture":"2.4","credit":"","camera":"iPhone 4S","caption":"","created_timestamp":"1442165170","copyright":"","focal_length":"4.28","iso":"50","shutter_speed":"0.0033333333333333","title":"","orientation":"1"}' data-image-title="IMG_1863" data-recalc-dims="1" height="300" src="https://storage.googleapis.com/microcosmosdelta.appspot.com/images/transfer_9456/IMG_18631.jpg" width="271"/>
 </a>
 <a alt="IMG_18611.jpg" class="gcloudimg" href="https://storage.googleapis.com/microcosmosdelta.appspot.com/images/transfer_9456/IMG_18611.jpg">
  <img alt="IMG_1861" class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-9470 gcloudimg" data-attachment-id="9470" data-comments-opened="1" data-image-meta='{"aperture":"2.4","credit":"","camera":"iPhone 4S","caption":"","created_timestamp":"1442165062","copyright":"","focal_length":"4.28","iso":"80","shutter_speed":"0.05","title":"","orientation":"1"}' data-image-title="IMG_1861" data-recalc-dims="1" height="300" src="https://storage.googleapis.com/microcosmosdelta.appspot.com/images/transfer_9456/IMG_18611.jpg" width="283"/>
 </a>
</p>
<p>
 The pollen was clearly discernible, still clinging to the hairs. I also mounted a patch of pollen on its own.
</p>
<p>
 <a alt="IMG_18682.jpg" class="gcloudimg" href="https://storage.googleapis.com/microcosmosdelta.appspot.com/images/transfer_9456/IMG_18682.jpg">
  <img alt="IMG_1868" class="size-medium wp-image-9461 aligncenter gcloudimg" data-attachment-id="9461" data-comments-opened="1" data-image-meta='{"aperture":"2.4","credit":"","camera":"iPhone 4S","caption":"","created_timestamp":"1442165615","copyright":"","focal_length":"4.28","iso":"50","shutter_speed":"0.0055865921787709","title":"","orientation":"6"}' data-image-title="IMG_1868" data-recalc-dims="1" height="300" src="https://storage.googleapis.com/microcosmosdelta.appspot.com/images/transfer_9456/IMG_18682.jpg" width="300"/>
 </a>
</p>
<p>
</p>
<p>
 This was a really exciting first Foldscope experiment and I am looking forward to more!
</p>
<p>
</p>
<p>
</p>
<p>
</p>
<p>
</p>
<p>
</p>
<p>
</p>


Dorit Hockman

Earth

Posts

Scales on a gecko tail

Foldscopes at the Cape Town Science Centre (South Africa)

Cnidarian explorations in Mozambique

My first foldscope adventure: Bee-autiful!

Cape Town Foldscope workshops in 2018

On the wings of a dragon(fly)

Microscopic explorations in a Jo’burg garden

Butterfly beauty!

Scales on a gecko tail

Foldscopes at the Cape Town Science Centre (South Africa)

Cnidarian explorations in Mozambique

My first foldscope adventure: Bee-autiful!

Cape Town Foldscope workshops in 2018

On the wings of a dragon(fly)

Microscopic explorations in a Jo’burg garden

Butterfly beauty!

Scales on a gecko tail

Foldscopes at the Cape Town Science Centre (South Africa)

Cnidarian explorations in Mozambique

My first foldscope adventure: Bee-autiful!

Locations

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Type of Sample

Foldscope Lens Magnification