Diatoms and lichens

Sep 13, 2016 • 7:58 AM UTC

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Microorganisms

Janice

I am a mathematical paleontologist and biologist that specializes in the study of diatoms. These microorganisms have been a large part of my research for over 20 years. At the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor, Michigan, I teach courses in biological oceanography and paleobiology in the Michigan Math and Science Scholars program.

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I came across this paper on diatoms found in lichens for the first time in 2004 (http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/j.0022-3646.2004.02-205.x/pdf). Those of you who are interested in viewing lichens with your Foldscope, you might be able to find diatoms as well. Try taking a small piece of the lichen thallus and soaking it with distilled or spring water in a very small bowl or cup. (Don’t use too much water or you will have to make many, many slides to view). Allow the water to stand undisturbed for about an hour. Use an eye dropper or pipette and withdraw water from the very bottom of the bowl or cup. You will probably see some debris, but that’s OK–hopefully there will be some diatoms attached. You can make a number of slides with this single water sample. Once the water is disturbed in the bowl or cup, though, let it settle again before withdrawing another sample. I don’t know that you will find diatoms, but if you do, this would be a great find!
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Diatoms and lichens

Janice

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