There’s an interest in diatoms in the Foldscope community. Did you know that diatoms can be found not only in pond water, but also in salt water, in the soil, on rocks, in the Arctic and Antarctic, in hydrothermal vents, and in any moist environment no matter how small? Did you know that diatoms are used in forensic science, are found in ancient clays used in making vessels, diatomaceous earth, toothpaste, and cleansers? See if you can collect diatoms from different places and view them with your Foldscope.

I am a researcher that studies diatoms, and I would be glad to share what I know. What have you found using your Foldscope?