RE: Laser Microscope Experiment

bonzadog — Fri, 30 Oct 2020 16:36:27 GMT

An interesting experiment. But probably Trump would not believe it...he is anti-science.

RE: Laser Microscope Experiment

dubbie — Wed, 30 Sep 2020 12:37:20 GMT

Looks a fun experiment. I might have to try this out.

Dubbie

RE: Laser Microscope Experiment

jw0752 — Mon, 28 Sep 2020 18:49:30 GMT

Fascinating simple experiment. I've got to try this. Even if the images aren't perfect it will be neat just to confirm the presence of the little beaties in the water.

John

RE: Laser Microscope Experiment

balearicdynamics — Mon, 28 Sep 2020 18:40:51 GMT

Maybe a video may help. Anyway, the proof of concept is interesting, but I think it is more probable you see the diffraction of the microbes instead of the cells themselves. The reason that probably you see few or nothing, due to a couple of processes that are typical of a microscopist:

1. Take a few grass or hay (better hay) and boil it for some minutes in water. Public water normally had chlorides insides that are dangerous for most of the monocellular life in the water. Then keep the boiled water with the other stuff (also some terrain may help)

2. Leave the infusion for some days, at ambient temperature. Then redo the experiment. Lots of paramecium, amoeba and other things magically appear!

Well then still there are some difficulties due to the light colour and the natural transparency of the microorganisms. You can solve this issue with a couple of products. One is the Eosin disinfectant solution. Put one drop in about 100 ml of infusion; it is an alcoholic solution so too much can damage the ecosystem you have created. The Eosin is an acid colourant that will change the colour of your cells (mostly the nucleus) without damaging them and keeping them alive. Another better alternative is the Methyle blu that can colour also the cells body. As far as I know, Methyle blue is present in some anti-inflammatory pills (your pharmacist can suggest you the cheap medicine that contains the component as the active principle.

Remain the doubt of what can be the contrast level using a laser (normally those keychain lasers are about 430-480 nm). But I think it is worth to try.

Enrico