What technique lets you see inconspicuous and transparent cells in rich detail? That would be phase contrast. However, if you’re going to get the most out of phase contrast microscopy, its components must be correctly aligned, or you’ll find yourself with...
There’s no better time to investigate microscopes that are suitable for remote learning. Fortunately, with modern digital microscopes and teleconferencing software it’s entirely possible to provide engaging virtual lessons at any distance. Your students will be able to stay connected and informed regardless of any lockdown and quarantine.
One of the most popular features of Dino-Lite software is the measurement function. If you want to measure (and label) any still images you’ve taken – or even a live microscope image – you can take advantage of Dino-Lite’s powerful array of measurement options. Dino-Lite microscopes come with a versatile and easy to use software suite – DinoCapture for Windows or DinoXcope for Macs. This short guide explains you how you can calibrate and use Dino-Lite’s measurement features with exceptional ease.
Artificial insemination (AI) of queen bees is a growing practice worldwide. The procedure itself is very delicate, however, and you need the right equipment to ensure the greatest chances of success. A good microscope is a critical component – the process requires a level of precision that can’t be easily achieved with the naked eye. But you can’t just make do with any old microscope.
Microscopes are an essential part of any good science education. The exciting new perspectives can inspire a lifelong interest in nature and learning. But buying the right microscopes for your school can be daunting. Faced with so many models and options, how do you know what features are really necessary? And how will you balance your needs with your budget? This guide will help you find the right microscopes for your school without breaking the bank.
If your lab or classroom uses shared microscopes, the first thing you should do before getting down to work is adjust your eyepieces. Everyone’s eyes are different – the distance between your eyes will be different from other people's and your left eye often sees a little differently from your right eye. Fortunately, microscope manufacturers are aware of this, and most microscopes let you easily compensate for the differences. Follow these simple steps.
For a small transparent square, cover slips are remarkably useful. If you’ve encountered a microscope before, you’ve likely run into a cover slip. They are small pieces of glass or plastic of a particular thickness that you place on top of the samples you look at under your microscope. They are a cornerstone of many areas of microscopy and not only protect your samples and equipment but help give you the best quality image of your specimens.
Sperm motility refers to how well sperm can move – a critical factor in any livestock breeding program. Sperm that do not ‘swim’ properly will not reach the egg to fertilise it – a serious problem for breeders. However, you can’t evaluate sperm motility properly with any old microscope. For a proper assessment, you need to be able to clearly see your specimens while they’re still alive and healthy, which is difficult to achieve with a standard microscope.
Warning – don’t get scammed by empty magnification. A microscope is only as good as its resolution. And having higher magnification without higher resolution to go with it will inevitably produce a blurry, distorted image. The effect is like zooming in too far on a picture or a website – you get blurry pixels rather than more detail. This phenomenon is usually referred to as ‘empty’ or ‘false’ magnification, and it has led many an unsuspecting customer astray.
