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Looking at tardigrades (water bears) under the microscope

Looking at tardigrades (water bears) under the microscope

The humble tardigrade – tiny, strangely adorable and practically indestructible. Found almost everywhere on Earth, the microscopic tardigrade – also known as the ‘water bear’ or ‘moss piglet’ – is so unique that all 1300 tardigrade species belong to their own phylum, Tardigrada. With their widespread habitat and fascinating 8-legged appearance, they’re a great specimen for any microscope enthusiast.

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History of the microscope

History of the microscope

The origins of the microscope can be traced back to the early days of human history when people first began using lenses to magnify objects. Today, they are used in a wide range of scientific fields, including biology, medicine, and material science. Here’s a quick look at their journey through the ages.

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How to look after your microscope and avoid repairs

How to look after your microscope and avoid repairs

A microscope is more than a tool. Treated with care and respect, this delicate piece of equipment will carry you through decades of professional service.
Here are some general tips to help you keep your microscope in top condition.

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How to mount your own wet microscope slides

How to mount your own wet microscope slides

A wet mount slide is one of the most common types of slide preparation techniques used in microscopy.
This guide walks you through the steps needed to prepare a wet mount slide for yourself. If you’re interested in microscopy, knowing how to mount your own wet slides is essential.

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What is a Nano Microscope used for?

What is a Nano Microscope used for?

Normal light microscopes have taken science a long way, but there are some realms that even light can’t reach.  This is why science has turned to something even more powerful – the nanoscope.

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Microscope eyepiece reticles and micrometers explained

Microscope eyepiece reticles and micrometers explained

Think of a reticle as a contact lens with a crosshair. But for your microscope, of course. You’ll need a reticle if you want to measure microscopic specimens (and a stage micrometer too, but we’ll get to that). A reticle is a simple instrument – a small glass disc with an unlabelled measuring scale etched into it.

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When to use a glass microscope slide coverslip

When to use a glass microscope slide coverslip

The indispensable cover slip is an important part of microscopy. They protect your samples, protect your microscope from your samples, and generally make things easier to see.  But do you always need to use a cover slip, and are you...

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