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The tissue culture microscope is basically a type of inverted microscope. With a regular microscope, the light source is situated underneath the specimen, and the objective lens is above it. But with a tissue culture microscope, it’s the other way around. You still look down through the eyepieces, but the objective lens is located below the sample, and is illuminated from above. This setup allows you to observe the sample from underneath. As cultures tend to flourish or settle at the bottom of containers, like petri dishes, flasks and multi-well plates, this setup is ideal.

The McMaster method is generally very easy to use. However, many different variations of the technique have emerged over the years, so you may encounter some minor differences depending on your approach or specific needs. Fortunately, the core methodology remains largely the same so this example will give you a good idea of what to expect.

When it comes to collaborative research and high-level teaching, multi-head microscopes are invaluable.  The main advantage is that they let multiple people look at the same sample at once through their own eyepieces, so no one has to move around...

Introducing a few more fun and educational activities for kids! Give your child the opportunity to spark their curiosity and make new discoveries with the help of a microscope and a few everyday objects.  Onion This experiment into the fascinating...

Brix meters are handy devices used to conveniently measure the dissolved sugar content of a liquid. They’re popular in a variety of fields. Everything from agriculture to metalwork and the food and beverage industries have a need for quick and accurate sugar content readings. Whether you’re a seasoned orchardist, a passionate winemaker or just a home gardener, a pocket-sized Brix meter – like Optico’s handy refractometer – will quickly test the sugar levels in your fruit or crops, allowing you to assess flavour and ripeness and to adjust conditions, if necessary.

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.

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.

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.

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.