Diya A

I observed six different types of face masks being used in India during the COVID-19 pandemic under my Foldscope. Depending on the size of the spaces between the fibres of the masks, I analysed the ability of each mask to protect the wearer, and those around the wearer.




 
 Blue Disposable Mask
 


 A regular, single-use disposable mask available at most local pharmacies.

<figure class="wp-block-image">
 <img alt="IMG_0384" class="wp-image-197352 gcloudimg" data-attachment-id="197352" data-comments-opened="1" data-image-meta='{"aperture":"1.8","credit":"","camera":"iPhone XR","caption":"","created_timestamp":"1606408993","copyright":"","focal_length":"4.25","iso":"250","shutter_speed":"0.02","title":"","orientation":"6"}' data-image-title="IMG_0384" src="https://storage.googleapis.com/microcosmosdelta.appspot.com/images/transfer_197392/IMG_0384.jpg"/>
</figure>
<figure class="wp-block-image">
 <img alt="IMG_1140 &amp;#8211; Copy" class="wp-image-197349 gcloudimg" data-attachment-id="197349" data-comments-opened="1" data-image-meta='{"aperture":"2.4","credit":"","camera":"iPhone 5","caption":"","created_timestamp":"1602886526","copyright":"","focal_length":"4.12","iso":"50","shutter_speed":"0.033333333333333","title":"","orientation":"1"}' data-image-title="IMG_1140 – Copy" src="https://storage.googleapis.com/microcosmosdelta.appspot.com/images/transfer_197392/IMG_1140-Copy.jpg"/>
</figure>

 The topmost layer of fibres is in focus. There is very little light passing through, indicating that there are less gaps. The gaps and fibres are evenly spaced.


 Conclusion: Safe






 
 Green Disposable Mask
 


 Another type of regular, single-use disposable mask available at most local pharmacies.

<figure class="wp-block-image">
 <img alt="IMG_0385" class="wp-image-197355 gcloudimg" data-attachment-id="197355" data-comments-opened="1" data-image-meta='{"aperture":"1.8","credit":"","camera":"iPhone XR","caption":"","created_timestamp":"1606409042","copyright":"","focal_length":"4.25","iso":"250","shutter_speed":"0.02","title":"","orientation":"6"}' data-image-title="IMG_0385" src="https://storage.googleapis.com/microcosmosdelta.appspot.com/images/transfer_197392/IMG_0385.jpg"/>
</figure>
<figure class="wp-block-image">
 <img alt="IMG_0387" class="wp-image-197351 gcloudimg" data-attachment-id="197351" data-comments-opened="1" data-image-meta='{"aperture":"1.8","credit":"","camera":"iPhone XR","caption":"","created_timestamp":"1606409141","copyright":"","focal_length":"4.25","iso":"250","shutter_speed":"0.02","title":"","orientation":"6"}' data-image-title="IMG_0387" src="https://storage.googleapis.com/microcosmosdelta.appspot.com/images/transfer_197392/IMG_0387.jpg"/>
</figure>

 The mask has a dotted pattern on the surface when seen up close.



<figure class="wp-block-image">
 <img alt="IMG_1145 &amp;#8211; Copy" class="wp-image-197350 gcloudimg" data-attachment-id="197350" data-comments-opened="1" data-image-meta='{"aperture":"2.4","credit":"","camera":"iPhone 5","caption":"","created_timestamp":"1602886662","copyright":"","focal_length":"4.12","iso":"50","shutter_speed":"0.041666666666667","title":"","orientation":"1"}' data-image-title="IMG_1145 – Copy" src="https://storage.googleapis.com/microcosmosdelta.appspot.com/images/transfer_197392/IMG_1145-Copy.jpg"/>
</figure>

 Multiple layers of fibres are in focus and visible. There are some large gaps between the fibres. Light passing through is bright, indicating that there are no fibres there. The fibres are not evenly spaced; in some areas they are dense, in others they are sparse.


 Conclusion: Not safe






 
 Surgical Mask
 
 (procured from a tertiary hospital pharmacy)


 This has an appearance similar to that of a regular blue disposable mask.

<figure class="wp-block-image">
 <img alt="IMG_0388" class="wp-image-197354 gcloudimg" data-attachment-id="197354" data-comments-opened="1" data-image-meta='{"aperture":"1.8","credit":"","camera":"iPhone XR","caption":"","created_timestamp":"1606409208","copyright":"","focal_length":"4.25","iso":"250","shutter_speed":"0.02","title":"","orientation":"6"}' data-image-title="IMG_0388" src="https://storage.googleapis.com/microcosmosdelta.appspot.com/images/transfer_197392/IMG_0388.jpg"/>
</figure>
<figure class="wp-block-image">
 <img alt="IMG_1152 &amp;#8211; Copy" class="wp-image-197353 gcloudimg" data-attachment-id="197353" data-comments-opened="1" data-image-meta='{"aperture":"2.4","credit":"","camera":"iPhone 5","caption":"","created_timestamp":"1602887170","copyright":"","focal_length":"4.12","iso":"50","shutter_speed":"0.05","title":"","orientation":"1"}' data-image-title="IMG_1152 – Copy" src="https://storage.googleapis.com/microcosmosdelta.appspot.com/images/transfer_197392/IMG_1152-Copy-1.jpg"/>
</figure>

 The topmost layer of fibres is in focus. It looks a lot like the blue mask above, but the light passing through in this case is of uniform brightness throughout.


 Conclusion: Safe






 
 Single-layered Cloth Mask
 


 A flimsy, thin cotton cloth mask; the one people opt for out of preference for convenience, comfort, and perhaps fashion.

<figure class="wp-block-image">
 <img alt="IMG_1135 &amp;#8211; Copy" class="wp-image-197356 gcloudimg" data-attachment-id="197356" data-comments-opened="1" data-image-meta='{"aperture":"2.4","credit":"","camera":"iPhone 5","caption":"","created_timestamp":"1602885666","copyright":"","focal_length":"4.12","iso":"64","shutter_speed":"0.025","title":"","orientation":"1"}' data-image-title="IMG_1135 – Copy" src="https://storage.googleapis.com/microcosmosdelta.appspot.com/images/transfer_197392/IMG_1135-Copy.jpg"/>
</figure>

 Clearly, this is not a mask worth wearing. The gaps between the weave of the fibres are immense; and the light shines through, unblocked.


 Conclusion: Not safe






 
 Triple-layered Cloth Mask
 


 This mask is thicker than the cloth mask observed previously. It is reusable and washable.

<figure class="wp-block-image">
 <img alt="IMG_1168 &amp;#8211; Copy" class="wp-image-197977 gcloudimg" data-attachment-id="197977" data-comments-opened="1" data-image-meta='{"aperture":"2.4","credit":"","camera":"iPhone 5","caption":"","created_timestamp":"1602947316","copyright":"","focal_length":"4.12","iso":"125","shutter_speed":"0.05","title":"","orientation":"1"}' data-image-title="IMG_1168 – Copy" src="https://storage.googleapis.com/microcosmosdelta.appspot.com/images/transfer_197392/IMG_1168-Copy.jpg"/>
</figure>

 The beautiful weave of the threads in the topmost cloth layer is clearly visible. These cloth fibres look very different from the synthetic ones in the disposable masks. There are few gaps in the top layer itself, not including the finer middle layer. Very little light passes through, and the spaces between the threads are small.


 Conclusion: Safe






 
 Multiple-use N95 Mask
 


 A washable N95 mask which can be used many times. It is slightly thicker than disposable masks, but ensures comfort and breathability.

<figure class="wp-block-image">
 <img alt="IMG_0389" class="wp-image-197358 gcloudimg" data-attachment-id="197358" data-comments-opened="1" data-image-meta='{"aperture":"1.8","credit":"","camera":"iPhone XR","caption":"","created_timestamp":"1606409380","copyright":"","focal_length":"4.25","iso":"250","shutter_speed":"0.02","title":"","orientation":"0"}' data-image-title="IMG_0389" src="https://storage.googleapis.com/microcosmosdelta.appspot.com/images/transfer_197392/IMG_0389.jpg"/>
</figure>
<figure class="wp-block-image">
 <img alt="IMG_1176 &amp;#8211; Copy" class="wp-image-197359 gcloudimg" data-attachment-id="197359" data-comments-opened="1" data-image-meta='{"aperture":"2.4","credit":"","camera":"iPhone 5","caption":"","created_timestamp":"1602947685","copyright":"","focal_length":"4.12","iso":"160","shutter_speed":"0.05","title":"","orientation":"1"}' data-image-title="IMG_1176 – Copy" src="https://storage.googleapis.com/microcosmosdelta.appspot.com/images/transfer_197392/IMG_1176-Copy.jpg"/>
</figure>

 The topmost layer of fibres is in focus. The fibres are spaced evenly and densely. There is absolutely no bright light passing through without incurring an obstruction, indicating almost zero gaps.


 Conclusion: Safe






 The result (from safest to most unsafe):

<ol>
 <li>
 Multiple-use N95 Mask
 </li>
 <li>
 Surgical Mask
 </li>
 <li>
 Triple-layered Cloth Mask
 </li>
 <li>
 Blue Disposable Mask
 </li>
 <li>
 Green Disposable Mask (with dotted pattern)
 </li>
 <li>
 Single-layered Cloth Mask
 </li>
</ol>





 
 Footnote
 


 A newspaper article I came across at a much later date, which further verifies my findings.

<figure class="wp-block-image">
 <a alt="Newspaper-Article-1.jpg" class="gcloudimg" href="https://storage.googleapis.com/microcosmosdelta.appspot.com/images/transfer_197392/Newspaper-Article-1.jpg">
 <img alt="Newspaper Article" class="wp-image-199684 gcloudimg" data-attachment-id="199684" data-comments-opened="1" data-image-meta='{"aperture":"0","credit":"","camera":"MP495 series","caption":"","created_timestamp":"1616506170","copyright":"","focal_length":"0","iso":"0","shutter_speed":"0","title":"","orientation":"1"}' data-image-title="Newspaper Article" src="https://storage.googleapis.com/microcosmosdelta.appspot.com/images/transfer_197392/Newspaper-Article-1.jpg"/>
 </a>
 <figcaption>
 <a alt="layered-masks-protect-but-can-spread-virus-says-iisc-study-2273385.html" aria-label=" (opens in a new tab)" class="gcloudimg" href="https://storage.googleapis.com/microcosmosdelta.appspot.com/images/transfer_197392/layered-masks-protect-but-can-spread-virus-says-iisc-study-2273385.html" rel="noreferrer noopener" target="_blank">
 https://www.newindianexpress.com/states/karnataka/2021/mar/07/layered-masks-protect-but-can-spread-virus-says-iisc-study-2273385.html
 </a>
 </figcaption>
</figure>





 Always remember the three golden rules of wearing a mask too!

<ol>
 <li>
 Do not touch the outside of the mask.
 </li>
 <li>
 Pick a mask that is snug and fits you well, so that you don’t keep touching it to adjust it.
 </li>
 <li>
 Make sure the mask covers your nose
 
 and
 
 mouth, at all times.
 </li>
</ol>





 Also, never wear a valved mask. It protects you, but not others near you.








 CookerBird

Is your mask really safe?

An onion peel is typically one of the first samples viewed when introduced to school-level microscopy. Here are images of an onion skin under my Foldscope. The cells are seen very distinctly and have a three-dimensional appearance.



<figure class="wp-block-image">
 <img alt="Living Cells, Dead Cells" class="wp-image-197450 gcloudimg" data-attachment-id="197450" data-comments-opened="1" data-image-meta='{"aperture":"0","credit":"","camera":"","caption":"","created_timestamp":"1595430332","copyright":"","focal_length":"0","iso":"0","shutter_speed":"0","title":"","orientation":"1"}' data-image-title="Living Cells, Dead Cells" src="https://storage.googleapis.com/microcosmosdelta.appspot.com/images/transfer_197449/Living-Cells-Dead-Cells.jpg"/>
</figure>


<figure class="wp-block-image">
 <img alt="Nucleus, Cytoplasm, Dead Cells, Cell Wall" class="wp-image-197451 gcloudimg" data-attachment-id="197451" 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="Nucleus, Cytoplasm, Dead Cells, Cell Wall" src="https://storage.googleapis.com/microcosmosdelta.appspot.com/images/transfer_197449/Nucleus-Cytoplasm-Dead-Cells-Cell-Wall.jpg"/>
</figure>


<figure class="wp-block-image">
 <img alt="Cell Wall" class="wp-image-197452 gcloudimg" data-attachment-id="197452" data-comments-opened="1" data-image-meta='{"aperture":"0","credit":"","camera":"","caption":"","created_timestamp":"1595431084","copyright":"","focal_length":"0","iso":"0","shutter_speed":"0","title":"","orientation":"1"}' data-image-title="Cell Wall" src="https://storage.googleapis.com/microcosmosdelta.appspot.com/images/transfer_197449/Cell-Wall.jpg"/>
</figure>


<figure class="wp-block-image">
 <img alt="Dead Cells, Cell Wall" class="wp-image-197453 gcloudimg" data-attachment-id="197453" data-comments-opened="1" data-image-meta='{"aperture":"0","credit":"","camera":"","caption":"","created_timestamp":"1595430114","copyright":"","focal_length":"0","iso":"0","shutter_speed":"0","title":"","orientation":"1"}' data-image-title="Dead Cells, Cell Wall" src="https://storage.googleapis.com/microcosmosdelta.appspot.com/images/transfer_197449/Dead-Cells-Cell-Wall.jpg"/>
</figure>


<figure class="wp-block-image">
 <img alt="Overlapping Layers 1" class="wp-image-197454 gcloudimg" data-attachment-id="197454" data-comments-opened="1" data-image-meta='{"aperture":"0","credit":"","camera":"","caption":"","created_timestamp":"1595430648","copyright":"","focal_length":"0","iso":"0","shutter_speed":"0","title":"","orientation":"1"}' data-image-title="Overlapping Layers 1" src="https://storage.googleapis.com/microcosmosdelta.appspot.com/images/transfer_197449/Overlapping-Layers-1.jpg"/>
</figure>


<figure class="wp-block-image">
 <img alt="Overlapping Layers 2" class="wp-image-197455 gcloudimg" data-attachment-id="197455" 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="Overlapping Layers 2" src="https://storage.googleapis.com/microcosmosdelta.appspot.com/images/transfer_197449/Overlapping-Layers-2.jpg"/>
</figure>





 CookerBird

Onion Cells

I observed the outer epidermis of a leaf and the skin of a pea pod under my Foldscope. The samples were taken at different times of the day, and we can see both closed and open stomata, depending on when they were taken.






 
 Closed Stomata
 


 This is a leaf peel from a rhoeo (
 
 Tradescantia spathacea
 
 ) plant. This plant’s leaves are generally observed in an introduction to school-level microscopy. The sample has been taken late in the evening.

<figure class="wp-block-image">
 <img alt="IMG_1181 &amp;#8211; Copysnag" class="wp-image-197508 gcloudimg" data-attachment-id="197508" 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_1181 – Copysnag" src="https://storage.googleapis.com/microcosmosdelta.appspot.com/images/transfer_197482/IMG_1181-Copysnag.jpg"/>
</figure>

 The stomata are pores scattered among the cells, and are closed. A pair of guard cells surrounds each pore.






 
 Open Stomata
 


 This is the skin of a fresh green pea pod. The sample has been taken during the daytime, around midday.

<figure class="wp-block-image">
 <img alt="IMG_1297 &amp;#8211; Copysnag" class="wp-image-197510 gcloudimg" data-attachment-id="197510" 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_1297 – Copysnag" src="https://storage.googleapis.com/microcosmosdelta.appspot.com/images/transfer_197482/IMG_1297-Copysnag.jpg"/>
</figure>

 Here, the stomata are wide open. Kidney bean-shaped guard cells are seen around the pores.






 CookerBird

Stomata and Guard Cells

I noticed a green layer (presumably algae) growing on the terracotta pots on my terrace. All the pots have greenish growth on them, but they all look very different. One pot had a layer which was considerably thicker, and easy to scrape off.



<figure class="wp-block-image">
 <img alt="IMG_0789" class="wp-image-198394 gcloudimg" data-attachment-id="198394" data-comments-opened="1" data-image-meta='{"aperture":"1.8","credit":"","camera":"iPhone XR","caption":"","created_timestamp":"1609077076","copyright":"","focal_length":"4.25","iso":"25","shutter_speed":"0.00044306601683651","title":"","orientation":"1"}' data-image-title="IMG_0789" src="https://storage.googleapis.com/microcosmosdelta.appspot.com/images/transfer_198146/IMG_0789.jpg"/>
</figure>



 I soaked bits of it in regular tap water and let it sit for a few hours. When I looked at the sample under my Foldscope, I was blown away by the many different organisms I saw!


 There are small round transparent organisms; slightly larger round brownish organisms; drop-shaped transparent ones with lots of little circles inside and longer transparent organisms with lots of little circles inside. All of them are moving very fast.




 The diverse ecosystem around a clump of vegetation:

<figure class="wp-block-video">
 <video alt="IMG_1401.MOV.mp4" autoplay="" class="gcloudimg" controls="" src="https://storage.googleapis.com/microcosmosdelta.appspot.com/images/transfer_198146/IMG_1401.MOV.mp4">
 </video>
</figure>





 Chasing the swimmers around:

<figure class="wp-block-video">
 <video alt="img_1408_Trim_Trimpiece1.mp4" autoplay="" class="gcloudimg" controls="" src="https://storage.googleapis.com/microcosmosdelta.appspot.com/images/transfer_198146/img_1408_Trim_Trimpiece1.mp4">
 </video>
</figure>
<figure class="wp-block-video">
 <video alt="img_1408_Trim_Trimpiece2.mp4" autoplay="" class="gcloudimg" controls="" src="https://storage.googleapis.com/microcosmosdelta.appspot.com/images/transfer_198146/img_1408_Trim_Trimpiece2.mp4">
 </video>
</figure>
<figure class="wp-block-video">
 <video alt="img_1408_Trim_Trimpiece3.mp4" autoplay="" class="gcloudimg" controls="" src="https://storage.googleapis.com/microcosmosdelta.appspot.com/images/transfer_198146/img_1408_Trim_Trimpiece3.mp4">
 </video>
</figure>
<figure class="wp-block-video">
 <video alt="img_1408_Trim_Trimpiece4.mp4" autoplay="" class="gcloudimg" controls="" src="https://storage.googleapis.com/microcosmosdelta.appspot.com/images/transfer_198146/img_1408_Trim_Trimpiece4.mp4">
 </video>
</figure>
<figure class="wp-block-video">
 <video alt="IMG_1402.MOV.mp4" autoplay="" class="gcloudimg" controls="" src="https://storage.googleapis.com/microcosmosdelta.appspot.com/images/transfer_198146/IMG_1402.MOV.mp4">
 </video>
</figure>
<figure class="wp-block-video">
 <video alt="IMG_1409-1.mov" autoplay="" class="gcloudimg" controls="" src="https://storage.googleapis.com/microcosmosdelta.appspot.com/images/transfer_198146/IMG_1409-1.mov">
 </video>
</figure>
<figure class="wp-block-video">
 <video alt="IMG_1412-1.mov" autoplay="" class="gcloudimg" controls="" src="https://storage.googleapis.com/microcosmosdelta.appspot.com/images/transfer_198146/IMG_1412-1.mov">
 </video>
</figure>
<figure class="wp-block-video">
 <video alt="IMG_1411.MOV.mp4" autoplay="" class="gcloudimg" controls="" src="https://storage.googleapis.com/microcosmosdelta.appspot.com/images/transfer_198146/IMG_1411.MOV.mp4">
 </video>
</figure>
<figure class="wp-block-video">
 <video alt="IMG_1406.MOV-1.mp4" autoplay="" class="gcloudimg" controls="" src="https://storage.googleapis.com/microcosmosdelta.appspot.com/images/transfer_198146/IMG_1406.MOV-1.mp4">
 </video>
</figure>





 Please do let me know in the comments if you know about the growth on the pot and its inhabitants.








 CookerBird

A pool of life!

This is an analysis of a phone screen, a laptop screen, and a TV screen.


 Pixels are visible in three colours – red, blue and green – in all the screens, but the pixels of each screen differ in shape and size. There are variations in the pixel densities. Based on the pixel density, the approximate size of one pixel can be calculated.






 
 Smartphone Touchscreen
 


 Pixel density: 326 ppi


 Pixel size: 78 μm

<figure class="wp-block-image">
 <img alt="IMG_1338" class="wp-image-198528 gcloudimg" data-attachment-id="198528" data-comments-opened="1" data-image-meta='{"aperture":"2.4","credit":"","camera":"iPhone 5","caption":"","created_timestamp":"1606567968","copyright":"","focal_length":"4.12","iso":"640","shutter_speed":"0.066666666666667","title":"","orientation":"1"}' data-image-title="IMG_1338" src="https://storage.googleapis.com/microcosmosdelta.appspot.com/images/transfer_198524/IMG_1338-1.jpg"/>
</figure>

 The individual pixels are not clear, but are seen as continuous bands of colour. The space between them is white.








 
 Laptop Screen
 


 Pixel density: 112 ppi


 Pixel size: 227 μm

<figure class="wp-block-image">
 <img alt="IMG_1326" class="wp-image-198529 gcloudimg" data-attachment-id="198529" data-comments-opened="1" data-image-meta='{"aperture":"2.4","credit":"","camera":"iPhone 5","caption":"","created_timestamp":"1606565153","copyright":"","focal_length":"4.12","iso":"500","shutter_speed":"0.058823529411765","title":"","orientation":"6"}' data-image-title="IMG_1326" src="https://storage.googleapis.com/microcosmosdelta.appspot.com/images/transfer_198524/IMG_1326.jpg"/>
</figure>

 Pixels are much larger than those of a phone screen. They are distinct, and the space between them is black.



<figure class="wp-block-image">
 <img alt="IMG_1321" class="wp-image-198530 gcloudimg" data-attachment-id="198530" data-comments-opened="1" data-image-meta='{"aperture":"2.4","credit":"","camera":"iPhone 5","caption":"","created_timestamp":"1606564989","copyright":"","focal_length":"4.12","iso":"800","shutter_speed":"0.066666666666667","title":"","orientation":"1"}' data-image-title="IMG_1321" src="https://storage.googleapis.com/microcosmosdelta.appspot.com/images/transfer_198524/IMG_1321.jpg"/>
 <figcaption>
 Bright blue screen
 
 </figcaption>
</figure>


<figure class="wp-block-image">
 <img alt="IMG_1329" class="wp-image-198531 gcloudimg" data-attachment-id="198531" data-comments-opened="1" data-image-meta='{"aperture":"2.4","credit":"","camera":"iPhone 5","caption":"","created_timestamp":"1606565287","copyright":"","focal_length":"4.12","iso":"640","shutter_speed":"0.058823529411765","title":"","orientation":"1"}' data-image-title="IMG_1329" src="https://storage.googleapis.com/microcosmosdelta.appspot.com/images/transfer_198524/IMG_1329.jpg"/>
 <figcaption>
 Yellow screen
 </figcaption>
</figure>


<figure class="wp-block-image">
 <img alt="IMG_1323" class="wp-image-198532 gcloudimg" data-attachment-id="198532" data-comments-opened="1" data-image-meta='{"aperture":"2.4","credit":"","camera":"iPhone 5","caption":"","created_timestamp":"1606565035","copyright":"","focal_length":"4.12","iso":"800","shutter_speed":"0.058823529411765","title":"","orientation":"1"}' data-image-title="IMG_1323" src="https://storage.googleapis.com/microcosmosdelta.appspot.com/images/transfer_198524/IMG_1323.jpg"/>
 <figcaption>
 Red screen (PowerPoint theme colour)
 </figcaption>
</figure>


<figure class="wp-block-image">
 <img alt="IMG_1325" class="wp-image-198533 gcloudimg" data-attachment-id="198533" data-comments-opened="1" data-image-meta='{"aperture":"2.4","credit":"","camera":"iPhone 5","caption":"","created_timestamp":"1606565140","copyright":"","focal_length":"4.12","iso":"1600","shutter_speed":"0.058823529411765","title":"","orientation":"1"}' data-image-title="IMG_1325" src="https://storage.googleapis.com/microcosmosdelta.appspot.com/images/transfer_198524/IMG_1325.jpg"/>
 <figcaption>
 Dark green screen (Excel theme colour)
 </figcaption>
</figure>


<figure class="wp-block-video">
 <video alt="IMG_1327.mov" autoplay="" class="gcloudimg" controls="" loop="" src="https://storage.googleapis.com/microcosmosdelta.appspot.com/images/transfer_198524/IMG_1327.mov">
 </video>
 <figcaption>
 Blinking cursor on white screen
 
 A cursor is six pixels wide!
 </figcaption>
</figure>







 
 TV Screen
 


 Pixel density: 53 ppi


 Pixel size: 479 μm

<figure class="wp-block-image">
 <img alt="IMG_1331" class="wp-image-198534 gcloudimg" data-attachment-id="198534" data-comments-opened="1" data-image-meta='{"aperture":"2.4","credit":"","camera":"iPhone 5","caption":"","created_timestamp":"1606566454","copyright":"","focal_length":"4.12","iso":"1600","shutter_speed":"0.066666666666667","title":"","orientation":"1"}' data-image-title="IMG_1331" src="https://storage.googleapis.com/microcosmosdelta.appspot.com/images/transfer_198524/IMG_1331.jpg"/>
</figure>

 These pixels are the largest of all. They also have an arrowhead-like shape, compared to the rectangular pixels of the laptop and phone screens. They are spaced close together, in continuous bands.

<figure class="wp-block-video">
 <video alt="img_0408.mp4" class="gcloudimg" controls="" src="https://storage.googleapis.com/microcosmosdelta.appspot.com/images/transfer_198524/img_0408.mp4">
 </video>
 <figcaption>
 Pixels shown along with the colours they are displaying
 </figcaption>
</figure>







 CookerBird

Comparative study of device screens

My first tardigrade – and a surprise at that. I looked into my Foldscope, and, without panning or focusing, the first thing that I saw was a slightly blurred, but recognisable little creature!


 Yesterday I scraped off some lichens from two trees on my street. I think they were the same kind of lichens; they looked pretty similar. I put the lichens in some home-distilled water and left it overnight.


 Except for two or three ciliates, a tardigrade seemed to be the only (motile) life form in that sample!


 I’m giving this tardigrade a name, and also (unfoundedly) assuming that it’s a ‘he’. So let’s call him Mr Cycle; because, well, each of his eight little legs seemed to be incessantly pedalling a bicycle. I could see him quite clearly by looking directly into my Foldscope; however, whenever I tried to take photos and videos, Mr Cycle seemed to be trying his best to go out of focus!



<figure class="wp-block-video">
 <video alt="IMG_1647.MOV.mov" class="gcloudimg" controls="" muted="" src="https://storage.googleapis.com/microcosmosdelta.appspot.com/images/transfer_200095/IMG_1647.MOV.mov">
 </video>
</figure>



 Mr Cycle has a green “tube” inside him, which looks like his alimentary canal. It’s probably green because of all the bits of lichen he just kept on eating! His claws are distinctly visible in one of the videos – just for a second though. He even retracts and draws out his nose-like structure – called buccopharyngeal apparatus, I learned – for a moment.



<figure class="wp-block-video">
 <video alt="IMG_1649ups.MOV.mp4" class="gcloudimg" controls="" muted="" src="https://storage.googleapis.com/microcosmosdelta.appspot.com/images/transfer_200095/IMG_1649ups.MOV.mp4">
 </video>
 <figcaption>
 Mr Cycle giving a rare underside glimpse of himself
 
 </figcaption>
</figure>


<figure class="wp-block-video">
 <video alt="IMG_1652rp.mov" class="gcloudimg" controls="" muted="" src="https://storage.googleapis.com/microcosmosdelta.appspot.com/images/transfer_200095/IMG_1652rp.mov">
 </video>
 <figcaption>
 Claws seen around halfway through the video
 </figcaption>
</figure>



 This tardigrade popped up totally unanticipated – the only time he proved to be as elusive as the rest of his phylum was when I tried to transfer him to another slide.


 I was surprised by how transparent Mr Cycle was. Most of the pictures of tardigrades I’ve seen are very different! I wonder what’s actually inside the green “tube”, and which all organs these little critters have. I’m trying to figure out a way to increase the magnification with the spare lens or a handheld magnifying glass, but with no success yet.


 Here’s some more information – which later rubbished my fears of squishing Mr Cycle.


 <a alt="tardigrades-water-bears" class="gcloudimg" href="https://storage.googleapis.com/microcosmosdelta.appspot.com/images/transfer_200095/tardigrades-water-bears">
 https://www.nationalgeographic.com/animals/invertebrates/facts/tardigrades-water-bears
 </a>






 CookerBird #EarthDay

A Camera-shy Tardigrade!

Summer’s finally here! Which means it’s time to distill our own water, making full use of the abundant summer sun.




 Distilled water is used for hydrating samples like moss and lichens. Tap water is said to contain chlorine, which is harmful to microorganisms in the sample. I haven’t compared results with tap water and distilled water (I intend to soon), but since using distilled water is supposed to be safer, I decided to make my own with everyday items at home.




 All the components of this distillation setup are things you are likely to already have in your kitchen. And the best part is, once you’re done distilling water for your samples, you can dissemble the distiller and put everything back where it was!




 
 Materials required
 

<ol>
 <li>
 A medium to large saucepan
 </li>
 <li>
 A glass lid with a handle (to fit the saucepan)
 </li>
 <li>
 A small jar shorter than the saucepan
 </li>
 <li>
 A marble or a smooth pebble
 </li>
 <li>
 A pinch of cotton
 </li>
</ol>



 
 Assembling the distiller
 


 Unscrew the handle from the glass lid. Place the jar in the centre of the saucepan. Fill the saucepan with water then place the lid
 
 upside-down
 
 on the saucepan (the convex surface of the lid should be towards the jar). There will be two holes in the lid: one in the centre where the handle was bolted on and one smaller hole near the side for steam to escape. Put the marble on the first hole and plug the second with cotton.



<figure class="wp-block-image">
 <img alt="IMG_7073" class="wp-image-208100 gcloudimg" data-attachment-id="208100" data-comments-opened="1" data-image-meta='{"aperture":"1.8","credit":"","camera":"iPhone XR","caption":"","created_timestamp":"1648243658","copyright":"","focal_length":"4.25","iso":"640","shutter_speed":"0.04","title":"","orientation":"6"}' data-image-title="IMG_7073" src="https://storage.googleapis.com/microcosmosdelta.appspot.com/images/transfer_200269/IMG_7073-1.jpg"/>
</figure>
<figure class="wp-block-image">
 <img alt="IMG_7075" class="wp-image-208101 gcloudimg" data-attachment-id="208101" data-comments-opened="1" data-image-meta='{"aperture":"1.8","credit":"","camera":"iPhone XR","caption":"","created_timestamp":"1648244158","copyright":"","focal_length":"4.25","iso":"500","shutter_speed":"0.04","title":"","orientation":"6"}' data-image-title="IMG_7075" src="https://storage.googleapis.com/microcosmosdelta.appspot.com/images/transfer_200269/IMG_7075-1.jpg"/>
</figure>
<figure class="wp-block-image">
 <img alt="IMG_7077" class="wp-image-208102 gcloudimg" data-attachment-id="208102" data-comments-opened="1" data-image-meta='{"aperture":"1.8","credit":"","camera":"iPhone XR","caption":"","created_timestamp":"1648244237","copyright":"","focal_length":"4.25","iso":"500","shutter_speed":"0.04","title":"","orientation":"6"}' data-image-title="IMG_7077" src="https://storage.googleapis.com/microcosmosdelta.appspot.com/images/transfer_200269/IMG_7077-1.jpg"/>
</figure>
<figure class="wp-block-image">
 <img alt="IMG_7076" class="wp-image-208103 gcloudimg" data-attachment-id="208103" data-comments-opened="1" data-image-meta='{"aperture":"1.8","credit":"","camera":"iPhone XR","caption":"","created_timestamp":"1648244220","copyright":"","focal_length":"4.25","iso":"500","shutter_speed":"0.04","title":"","orientation":"6"}' data-image-title="IMG_7076" src="https://storage.googleapis.com/microcosmosdelta.appspot.com/images/transfer_200269/IMG_7076-1.jpg"/>
</figure>



 That’s it! Keep the distiller in the sun for your home-distilled water to collect in the jar.




 
 How it works
 


 Greenhouse effect kicks in through the glass lid. The water in the pan heats up. Pure water evaporates from the saucepan and condenses on the glass as little drops. These droplets slide towards the centre of the lid because of the concave surface and form one big drop of distilled water, which falls into the jar.






 CookerBird

Water distiller with everyday home supplies

I always had a few problems while taking photos of observations under my Foldscope. One was that the magnetic coupler hole is way too small to fix onto any phone camera without blocking some part of the camera. Another was the black circle around an observation, and the field of view would become considerably smaller.


 To add to the trouble, iPhone cameras keep getting bigger and bigger! Till now, I used an old iPhone 5 (with a considerably smaller camera) to take photos, but it didn’t give as much clarity as the newer iPhones.


 To get a bigger field of view, I held the phone directly up to the Foldscope, but it was near impossible to take videos and time-lapses, and there was the violent focus shaking many Foldscopers have described with later iPhone models.


 Now take a look at the difference this simple hack makes.



<figure class="wp-block-image">
 <a alt="Picture2.png" class="gcloudimg" href="https://storage.googleapis.com/microcosmosdelta.appspot.com/images/transfer_200276/Picture2.png">
 <img alt="Picture2" class="wp-image-200285 gcloudimg" data-attachment-id="200285" 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="Picture2" src="https://storage.googleapis.com/microcosmosdelta.appspot.com/images/transfer_200276/Picture2.png"/>
 </a>
 <figcaption>
 iPhone with large camera – note clarity and better focus, no shaking
 </figcaption>
</figure>


<figure class="wp-block-image">
 <a alt="Picture3.png" class="gcloudimg" href="https://storage.googleapis.com/microcosmosdelta.appspot.com/images/transfer_200276/Picture3.png">
 <img alt="Picture3" class="wp-image-200286 gcloudimg" data-attachment-id="200286" 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="Picture3" src="https://storage.googleapis.com/microcosmosdelta.appspot.com/images/transfer_200276/Picture3.png"/>
 </a>
 <figcaption>
 iPhone 5 (small camera) – note larger field of view, more zoomed-in (no digital/optical zoom)
 </figcaption>
</figure>



 All you need is a metal washer whose inner diameter is more (it can be way more also, just not less) than that of the phone camera. The thinner the washer, the better.



<figure class="wp-block-image">
 <a alt="Picture1.png" class="gcloudimg" href="https://storage.googleapis.com/microcosmosdelta.appspot.com/images/transfer_200276/Picture1.png">
 <img alt="Picture1" class="wp-image-200284 gcloudimg" data-attachment-id="200284" 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="Picture1" src="https://storage.googleapis.com/microcosmosdelta.appspot.com/images/transfer_200276/Picture1.png"/>
 </a>
 <figcaption>
 Tape the washer around the phone camera, then couple it to the Foldscope normally. The washer will get attracted by the Foldscope’s magnets.
 </figcaption>
</figure>



 Since the washer is thinner than the coupler, it brings the phone camera closer to the Foldscope lens, increasing the field of view. It also stops the shaking!


 This washer hack is super cost-effective and doesn’t even require you to modify your Foldscope in any way!




 
 PS:
 
 What happened to the scale bar option in the Foldscope app?








 CookerBird

Coupling hack for large phone cameras and iPhone focus shaking

This is a documentation of two intended samples and one hitch-hiked sample, all very different from each other yet peacefully inhabiting the same square foot habitat. Plus one bonus sample at the end!


 When I first learnt about fern spores, I was intrigued by how an entire plant grew out of a microscopic grain, and not a macroscopic seed. I went to ask a neighbour for a fern leaf to try and discern the spores, but the variety she had was “spore-less”. A year or two later I came across the word “sporange” (the only word that rhymes with “orange”), a shortened version of “sporangium”.


 Yesterday I chanced upon a few ferns, and it kindled my curiosity. When I observed the leaf, I saw green semicircular structures on its underside, and brown powdery grains on the curved part, which I assumed to be the sporangia and spores respectively.



<figure class="wp-block-image">
 <a alt="IMG_2185-1.jpg" class="gcloudimg" href="https://storage.googleapis.com/microcosmosdelta.appspot.com/images/transfer_200399/IMG_2185-1.jpg">
 <img alt="IMG_2185" class="wp-image-200401 gcloudimg" data-attachment-id="200401" data-comments-opened="1" data-image-meta='{"aperture":"1.8","credit":"","camera":"iPhone XR","caption":"","created_timestamp":"1618960620","copyright":"","focal_length":"4.25","iso":"320","shutter_speed":"0.02","title":"","orientation":"1"}' data-image-title="IMG_2185" src="https://storage.googleapis.com/microcosmosdelta.appspot.com/images/transfer_200399/IMG_2185-1.jpg"/>
 </a>
 <figcaption>
 Underside of fern leaf under 20x magnification
 </figcaption>
</figure>



 But under the Foldscope, I observed the “spores” bursting open, and releasing tinier “sporettes”! So I did a bit of research, and found out that the semicircular structures weren’t sporangia, but sori (singular sorus), and the brown powder grains were sporangia. The “sporettes” were actually the spores.




 Here is a time-lapse, though the process was quite fast and I should have taken a regular video instead.



<figure class="wp-block-video">
 <video alt="IMG_1667.mp4" class="gcloudimg" controls="" src="https://storage.googleapis.com/microcosmosdelta.appspot.com/images/transfer_200399/IMG_1667.mp4">
 </video>
 <figcaption>
 Sporangia releasing spores
 </figcaption>
</figure>


<figure class="wp-block-image">
 <img alt="IMG_1699" class="wp-image-200403 gcloudimg" data-attachment-id="200403" 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="IMG_1699" src="https://storage.googleapis.com/microcosmosdelta.appspot.com/images/transfer_200399/IMG_1699.jpg"/>
 <figcaption>
 Some sporangia were empty and didn’t burst
 </figcaption>
</figure>


<figure class="wp-block-image">
 <img alt="IMG_1701" class="wp-image-200404 gcloudimg" data-attachment-id="200404" 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="IMG_1701" src="https://storage.googleapis.com/microcosmosdelta.appspot.com/images/transfer_200399/IMG_1701.jpg"/>
</figure>


<figure class="wp-block-image">
 <img alt="IMG_1702" class="wp-image-200405 gcloudimg" data-attachment-id="200405" 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="IMG_1702" src="https://storage.googleapis.com/microcosmosdelta.appspot.com/images/transfer_200399/IMG_1702.jpg"/>
</figure>





 Then I observed an entire sorus. Here are different parts in focus; I tried image stitching, but it really didn’t work out for this one.

<figure class="wp-block-image">
 <img alt="IMG_2236" class="wp-image-200406 gcloudimg" data-attachment-id="200406" data-comments-opened="1" data-image-meta='{"aperture":"1.8","credit":"","camera":"iPhone XR","caption":"","created_timestamp":"1619111850","copyright":"","focal_length":"4.25","iso":"160","shutter_speed":"0.02","title":"","orientation":"6"}' data-image-title="IMG_2236" src="https://storage.googleapis.com/microcosmosdelta.appspot.com/images/transfer_200399/IMG_2236.jpg"/>
</figure>


<figure class="wp-block-image">
 <img alt="IMG_2243" class="wp-image-200407 gcloudimg" data-attachment-id="200407" data-comments-opened="1" data-image-meta='{"aperture":"1.8","credit":"","camera":"iPhone XR","caption":"","created_timestamp":"1619111917","copyright":"","focal_length":"4.25","iso":"320","shutter_speed":"0.03030303030303","title":"","orientation":"6"}' data-image-title="IMG_2243" src="https://storage.googleapis.com/microcosmosdelta.appspot.com/images/transfer_200399/IMG_2243.jpg"/>
</figure>


<figure class="wp-block-image">
 <img alt="IMG_2246" class="wp-image-200408 gcloudimg" data-attachment-id="200408" data-comments-opened="1" data-image-meta='{"aperture":"1.8","credit":"","camera":"iPhone XR","caption":"","created_timestamp":"1619111948","copyright":"","focal_length":"4.25","iso":"320","shutter_speed":"0.02","title":"","orientation":"6"}' data-image-title="IMG_2246" src="https://storage.googleapis.com/microcosmosdelta.appspot.com/images/transfer_200399/IMG_2246.jpg"/>
 <figcaption>
 The green part of the sorus looks like it is made of immature green sporangia
 </figcaption>
</figure>







 The second sample is a beautiful white bougainvillea flower that had fallen under the fern.



<figure class="wp-block-image">
 <img alt="BOUGAINVILLEA (Bougainvillea gabra) PRODUCTION GUIDELINES - ppt download" class="gcloudimg" data-recalc-dims="1" src="https://storage.googleapis.com/microcosmosdelta.appspot.com/images/transfer_200399/Botany%2BAlthough%2Bnot%2Btechnically%2Bpart%2Bof%2Bthe%2Bbougainvillea%2Bflower%252C%2Bspecialized%2Bleaves%2Bcalled%2Bbracts%2Bsurround%2Bthe%2Btiny%2Btrue%2Bflowers..jpg"/>
</figure>



 I observed a bract first, but it wasn’t anything unique. Next was the bright yellow pollen, hiding inside the stem of the little white flowers.


 I’ve never seen anything like these pollen grains! They were
 
 extremely
 
 tiny. And they looked just like yellow RBCs, with a characteristic biconcave shape!



<figure class="wp-block-image">
 <img alt="IMG_2264" class="wp-image-200409 gcloudimg" data-attachment-id="200409" 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="IMG_2264" src="https://storage.googleapis.com/microcosmosdelta.appspot.com/images/transfer_200399/IMG_2264.jpg"/>
 <figcaption>
 Perhaps the biconcave shape maximizes surface area – but why?
 </figcaption>
</figure>







 The next sample was a very small insect that rode along with the leaf and flower. It was glinting black to the unaided eye, but brown and translucent under magnification!


 Here are photos of the bug from top to bottom in focus.



<figure class="wp-block-image">
 <a alt="IMG_2251.jpg" class="gcloudimg" href="https://storage.googleapis.com/microcosmosdelta.appspot.com/images/transfer_200399/IMG_2251.jpg">
 <img alt="IMG_2251" class="wp-image-200410 gcloudimg" data-attachment-id="200410" data-comments-opened="1" data-image-meta='{"aperture":"1.8","credit":"","camera":"iPhone XR","caption":"","created_timestamp":"1619118590","copyright":"","focal_length":"4.25","iso":"160","shutter_speed":"0.02","title":"","orientation":"8"}' data-image-title="IMG_2251" src="https://storage.googleapis.com/microcosmosdelta.appspot.com/images/transfer_200399/IMG_2251.jpg"/>
 </a>
 <figcaption>
 Could that little red thing between its eyes be its brain?
 </figcaption>
</figure>


<figure class="wp-block-image">
 <a alt="IMG_2253.jpg" class="gcloudimg" href="https://storage.googleapis.com/microcosmosdelta.appspot.com/images/transfer_200399/IMG_2253.jpg">
 <img alt="IMG_2253" class="wp-image-200411 gcloudimg" data-attachment-id="200411" data-comments-opened="1" data-image-meta='{"aperture":"1.8","credit":"","camera":"iPhone XR","caption":"","created_timestamp":"1619118606","copyright":"","focal_length":"4.25","iso":"200","shutter_speed":"0.02","title":"","orientation":"8"}' data-image-title="IMG_2253" src="https://storage.googleapis.com/microcosmosdelta.appspot.com/images/transfer_200399/IMG_2253.jpg"/>
 </a>
 <figcaption>
 I tried not to, but (eek!) the poor little thing got squished
 
 </figcaption>
</figure>


<figure class="wp-block-image">
 <a alt="IMG_2256.jpg" class="gcloudimg" href="https://storage.googleapis.com/microcosmosdelta.appspot.com/images/transfer_200399/IMG_2256.jpg">
 <img alt="IMG_2256" class="wp-image-200412 gcloudimg" data-attachment-id="200412" data-comments-opened="1" data-image-meta='{"aperture":"1.8","credit":"","camera":"iPhone XR","caption":"","created_timestamp":"1619118632","copyright":"","focal_length":"4.25","iso":"200","shutter_speed":"0.02","title":"","orientation":"8"}' data-image-title="IMG_2256" src="https://storage.googleapis.com/microcosmosdelta.appspot.com/images/transfer_200399/IMG_2256.jpg"/>
 </a>
</figure>


<figure class="wp-block-image">
 <a alt="IMG_2257.jpg" class="gcloudimg" href="https://storage.googleapis.com/microcosmosdelta.appspot.com/images/transfer_200399/IMG_2257.jpg">
 <img alt="IMG_2257" class="wp-image-200413 gcloudimg" data-attachment-id="200413" data-comments-opened="1" data-image-meta='{"aperture":"1.8","credit":"","camera":"iPhone XR","caption":"","created_timestamp":"1619118640","copyright":"","focal_length":"4.25","iso":"160","shutter_speed":"0.02","title":"","orientation":"8"}' data-image-title="IMG_2257" src="https://storage.googleapis.com/microcosmosdelta.appspot.com/images/transfer_200399/IMG_2257.jpg"/>
 </a>
</figure>



 Does anyone know what insect this could be?



<figure class="wp-block-image">
 <img alt="Image" class="wp-image-200466 gcloudimg" data-attachment-id="200466" 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="Image" src="https://storage.googleapis.com/microcosmosdelta.appspot.com/images/transfer_200399/Image.png"/>
 <figcaption>
 My first go at focus stacking and image stitching
 </figcaption>
</figure>







 The last sample was totally unexpected! I was reviewing and deleting the photos I took, when my mom swatted a mosquito above my head. Into the Foldscope it went.


 Here are some pictures of the wings. They turned out quite clear even with a good bit of digital zoom.

<figure class="wp-block-image">
 <a alt="IMG_2272.jpg" class="gcloudimg" href="https://storage.googleapis.com/microcosmosdelta.appspot.com/images/transfer_200399/IMG_2272.jpg">
 <img alt="IMG_2272" class="wp-image-200415 gcloudimg" data-attachment-id="200415" data-comments-opened="1" data-image-meta='{"aperture":"1.8","credit":"","camera":"iPhone XR","caption":"","created_timestamp":"1619127627","copyright":"","focal_length":"4.25","iso":"200","shutter_speed":"0.02","title":"","orientation":"3"}' data-image-title="IMG_2272" src="https://storage.googleapis.com/microcosmosdelta.appspot.com/images/transfer_200399/IMG_2272.jpg"/>
 </a>
</figure>


<figure class="wp-block-image">
 <a alt="IMG_2273.jpg" class="gcloudimg" href="https://storage.googleapis.com/microcosmosdelta.appspot.com/images/transfer_200399/IMG_2273.jpg">
 <img alt="IMG_2273" class="wp-image-200416 gcloudimg" data-attachment-id="200416" data-comments-opened="1" data-image-meta='{"aperture":"1.8","credit":"","camera":"iPhone XR","caption":"","created_timestamp":"1619127643","copyright":"","focal_length":"4.25","iso":"250","shutter_speed":"0.02","title":"","orientation":"3"}' data-image-title="IMG_2273" src="https://storage.googleapis.com/microcosmosdelta.appspot.com/images/transfer_200399/IMG_2273.jpg"/>
 </a>
</figure>


<figure class="wp-block-image">
 <a alt="IMG_2274.jpg" class="gcloudimg" href="https://storage.googleapis.com/microcosmosdelta.appspot.com/images/transfer_200399/IMG_2274.jpg">
 <img alt="IMG_2274" class="wp-image-200417 gcloudimg" data-attachment-id="200417" data-comments-opened="1" data-image-meta='{"aperture":"1.8","credit":"","camera":"iPhone XR","caption":"","created_timestamp":"1619127654","copyright":"","focal_length":"4.25","iso":"160","shutter_speed":"0.02","title":"","orientation":"3"}' data-image-title="IMG_2274" src="https://storage.googleapis.com/microcosmosdelta.appspot.com/images/transfer_200399/IMG_2274.jpg"/>
 </a>
</figure>


<figure class="wp-block-image">
 <a alt="IMG_2282.jpg" class="gcloudimg" href="https://storage.googleapis.com/microcosmosdelta.appspot.com/images/transfer_200399/IMG_2282.jpg">
 <img alt="IMG_2282" class="wp-image-200418 gcloudimg" data-attachment-id="200418" data-comments-opened="1" data-image-meta='{"aperture":"1.8","credit":"","camera":"iPhone XR","caption":"","created_timestamp":"1619129170","copyright":"","focal_length":"4.25","iso":"80","shutter_speed":"0.02","title":"","orientation":"6"}' data-image-title="IMG_2282" src="https://storage.googleapis.com/microcosmosdelta.appspot.com/images/transfer_200399/IMG_2282.jpg"/>
 </a>
</figure>





 Then I came to the proboscis; the part which the mosquito uses to feed on blood.

<figure class="wp-block-image">
 <a alt="IMG_2278.jpg" class="gcloudimg" href="https://storage.googleapis.com/microcosmosdelta.appspot.com/images/transfer_200399/IMG_2278.jpg">
 <img alt="IMG_2278" class="wp-image-200419 gcloudimg" data-attachment-id="200419" data-comments-opened="1" data-image-meta='{"aperture":"1.8","credit":"","camera":"iPhone XR","caption":"","created_timestamp":"1619128376","copyright":"","focal_length":"4.25","iso":"640","shutter_speed":"0.058823529411765","title":"","orientation":"6"}' data-image-title="IMG_2278" src="https://storage.googleapis.com/microcosmosdelta.appspot.com/images/transfer_200399/IMG_2278.jpg"/>
 </a>
 <figcaption>
 There is a smaller tube inside the main proboscis, which it uses to inject saliva that numbs your skin. Then it sucks blood through the larger tube.
 </figcaption>
</figure>


<figure class="wp-block-image">
 <a alt="IMG_2279.jpg" class="gcloudimg" href="https://storage.googleapis.com/microcosmosdelta.appspot.com/images/transfer_200399/IMG_2279.jpg">
 <img alt="IMG_2279" class="wp-image-200420 gcloudimg" data-attachment-id="200420" data-comments-opened="1" data-image-meta='{"aperture":"1.8","credit":"","camera":"iPhone XR","caption":"","created_timestamp":"1619128386","copyright":"","focal_length":"4.25","iso":"640","shutter_speed":"0.058823529411765","title":"","orientation":"6"}' data-image-title="IMG_2279" src="https://storage.googleapis.com/microcosmosdelta.appspot.com/images/transfer_200399/IMG_2279.jpg"/>
 </a>
</figure>









 CookerBird #EarthDay

Spores, pollen, wonder and more

The first time I sampled an onion peel was a bit different from the introductory experiment in a biology textbook (I observed the outer epidermis, without staining it). Till now I haven’t been able to get the same “3D” effect again (https://microcosmos.foldscope.com/?p=197449), but today’s observations were equally beautiful!


 This time, I observed and compared the outer and inner epidermises of an onion separately, and stained them with a homemade food colour stain too!




 
 Outer Epidermis (convex side of onion layer)
 


 This is the thin purplish skin on the layers of an onion. It doesn’t peel off in a large, continuous piece.

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 The cell nuclei are comparatively small. The cell walls are thinner and the cytoplasm takes up less stain.






 
 Inner Epidermis (concave side of onion layer)
 


 This membrane is translucent to transparent. It peels off easily in a single piece. The inner epidermis (stained with safranin) is viewed as a first introduction to cells in school.

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 The nuclei of these cells are huge! The cytoplasm is more deeply stained, and cell walls are more distinct.






 It is a mystery why these cells – especially the nuclei – are so different in structure! Both are epidermal, and carry out the same function. And they are less than half a centimetre apart, separated by a single layer of onion flesh!








 CookerBird

Outer and inner onion epidermises &#8211; stained at home!

Bees are a rare sight in the city. They are seen as a threat, and we humans are driving them to extinction. Yet, without them no life is possible on Earth.


 A passion fruit vine in my garden sees scores of pollinators every afternoon. What’s admirable is that both species that visit, honeybees and stingless bees, collect nectar and pollen from the same flowers without being bothered by the other species.



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 The flowers are really interesting. They have three stigmas and five anthers, with thick styles and filaments. Each flower has two, very different layers of petals. The anthers’ bottoms are absolutely swamped with fine, dust-like yellow pollen.



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 Passion fruit pollen grains are super beautiful! They have a golf ball-like appearance. Some pollen grains are hollow, and slightly more yellowish than those that aren’t hollow.


 The abundance of pollen coupled with the many visiting pollinators is certainly
 
 bearing fruit
 
 . Now there are not less than fifteen unripe passion fruits at various stages of development on the creeper!






 CookerBird

Pollinators&#8217; paradise

Our pond had been welcoming a lot of frog (or toad) visitors each night since the monsoon started. Recently, I found what I am pretty sure were frog eggs on the edge of the pond: they were jelly-coated, but pretty small, and not spherical – sort of shaped like pomegranate arils.


 When disturbed with a stick, one or two really tiny creatures came swimming out! They quite resembled tadpoles, just much, much smaller. Could they be undeveloped tadpoles? But what’s really surprising is how they could survive outside the egg, and even swim around! I’ve heard of tadpoles escaping from their eggs before hatching, but only in red-eyed tree frogs (which these are certainly not).



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 <figcaption>
 Size of the organism w.r.t. a ring sticker
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 I caught one in a pipette (they’re that tiny!) and imaged it live under my Foldscope. And since most of it’s body was translucent, except for the head, I could see some movements inside the organism’s body! There was something that was thumping rhythmically (it was too deep down to be in proper focus) – could it be a heart?



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 There were also bubbles visibly circulating through its body, and another organ-like structure (Gills maybe? Or is this the heart?).



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 This is really curious, so please do post a comment if you have any guesses!






 
 Update (July 25, 2021)
 


 There are hundreds and hundreds of wild tadpoles in the pond now!

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 CookerBird

A beating heart, perhaps?

I’ve been re-viewing all the permanent slides I’d made earlier, and experimenting with different viewing techniques. Recently we took out my first slide, an onion peel mount (
 <a href="https://microcosmos.foldscope.com/?p=197449">
 https://microcosmos.foldscope.com/?p=197449
 </a>
 ), and tried Mr Manu’s “camera lucida” mode (
 <a href="https://microcosmos.foldscope.com/?p=16684">
 https://microcosmos.foldscope.com/?p=16684
 </a>
 ).


 Using the simplest of materials we found on my table, we set up the Foldscope as seen in the photo below. First made some space, wedged a ruler in a pile of books, taped the Foldscope to the ruler and taped a sheet of paper to the table. The light source is an extremely simple, inexpensive hack. We removed the diffuser of a small torch, then taped a nut to the bulb end. The nut gets attracted by the Foldscope’s magnets and doesn’t block the light too! This light module makes a great tool for projection microscopy as well!

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 CookerBird

Diya A

Earth

Posts

Outer and inner onion epidermises – stained at home!

Pollinators’ paradise

A beating heart, perhaps?

Drawing onion cells in real-time!

Is your mask really safe?

Onion Cells

Stomata and Guard Cells

A pool of life!

Comparative study of device screens

A Camera-shy Tardigrade!

Water distiller with everyday home supplies

Coupling hack for large phone cameras and iPhone focus shaking

Spores, pollen, wonder and more

Outer and inner onion epidermises – stained at home!

Pollinators’ paradise

A beating heart, perhaps?

Drawing onion cells in real-time!

Is your mask really safe?

Onion Cells

Stomata and Guard Cells

A pool of life!

Comparative study of device screens

A Camera-shy Tardigrade!

Water distiller with everyday home supplies

Coupling hack for large phone cameras and iPhone focus shaking

Spores, pollen, wonder and more

Outer and inner onion epidermises – stained at home!

Pollinators’ paradise

A beating heart, perhaps?

Drawing onion cells in real-time!

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Foldscope Lens Magnification