DAY 2 LG-AUP Exploring the microcosm
Jun 12, 2026 • 8:50 AM UTC
India
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Rian Sikka
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Today, we explored potato and tomato samples using the Foldscope. We observed both potato peel and potato flesh, as well as different parts of a tomato. To get a clear view of the potato flesh, we had to mash a very small sample before placing it on the slide.
Under the Foldscope, the potato cells appeared mostly transparent and were arranged closely together. In some areas, the cell boundaries could be seen clearly, which helped us understand how plant tissues are organized. The tomato samples were especially interesting because the cells were easier to distinguish, and we could observe the structure of the peel in much greater detail.
One of the most surprising observations was finding a small black thread-like particle in one of the tomato peel samples, which may have been a microplastic. This made us think about how microscopic materials can sometimes be present in everyday foods without us noticing.
I have never been a big fan of biology, but using the Foldscope has made it much more interesting. Being able to observe real samples firsthand is very different from simply reading about them in a textbook. Every slide feels like exploring a tiny hidden world, and I am excited to see what we discover next.
Under the Foldscope, the potato cells appeared mostly transparent and were arranged closely together. In some areas, the cell boundaries could be seen clearly, which helped us understand how plant tissues are organized. The tomato samples were especially interesting because the cells were easier to distinguish, and we could observe the structure of the peel in much greater detail.
One of the most surprising observations was finding a small black thread-like particle in one of the tomato peel samples, which may have been a microplastic. This made us think about how microscopic materials can sometimes be present in everyday foods without us noticing.
I have never been a big fan of biology, but using the Foldscope has made it much more interesting. Being able to observe real samples firsthand is very different from simply reading about them in a textbook. Every slide feels like exploring a tiny hidden world, and I am excited to see what we discover next.
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