Large SEM of Paralia sulcata

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75RR
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Large SEM of Paralia sulcata

#1 Post by 75RR » Tue Mar 24, 2020 7:33 am

Zeiss Standard WL (somewhat fashion challenged) & Wild M8
Olympus E-P2 (Micro Four Thirds Camera)

MichaelG.
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Re: Large SEM of Paralia sulcata

#2 Post by MichaelG. » Tue Mar 24, 2020 8:04 am

So now we know what we are trying to see :o

MichaelG.
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75RR
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Re: Large SEM of Paralia sulcata

#3 Post by 75RR » Tue Mar 24, 2020 8:16 am

So, is the Light Microscope already quaint ... ?

Are we the Morris Dancers of microscopy?
Zeiss Standard WL (somewhat fashion challenged) & Wild M8
Olympus E-P2 (Micro Four Thirds Camera)

MichaelG.
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Location: North Wales

Re: Large SEM of Paralia sulcata

#4 Post by MichaelG. » Tue Mar 24, 2020 8:28 am

PostScript:

It’s a reality check, in a positive way ...
We are now even-better equipped to appreciate the artefacts and limitations inherent in optical imaging.

MichaelG.
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mrsonchus
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Re: Large SEM of Paralia sulcata

#5 Post by mrsonchus » Tue Mar 24, 2020 9:21 am

Urk - those SEM images are quite stunning - the detail & complexity is extraordinary.

BUT, all you diatom-botherers must not let this discourage you, rather let it enliven, augment and increase your enjoyment - every session of observation has the chance of revealing that known but as-yet unseen extra detail or perspective that the SEM-Gods serve up to us as the ordinary - whilst in our light-microscopic realm these glimpses retain their magic!

I have the same experience when I view the dreaded SEM images of plant details, especially parts such as the lignification of xylem-vessel cell walls for example. I look back to my light-microscopy images and their necessarily limited content with a touch of regret & envy it's true.. But then I take a second look and appreciate just how many details I AM able to discern from said light-microscope images.... I find that my appreciation of a 'good result' with sections and images is entirely enriched by the realisation of just jow much I AM able to see and preserve as a permanent mount, of this incredible and virtually infinitely-divisible realm of ultra-detail & magnifcation.
Last edited by mrsonchus on Wed Mar 25, 2020 4:44 am, edited 1 time in total.
John B

MichaelG.
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Re: Large SEM of Paralia sulcata

#6 Post by MichaelG. » Tue Mar 24, 2020 9:33 am

Very eloquently put, John

... that’s what I was trying to express, with my clumsy technicalities about artefacts and limitations.

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tgss
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Re: Large SEM of Paralia sulcata

#7 Post by tgss » Tue Mar 24, 2020 11:48 am

Think not what you can't see that the SEM can, but what you can see that you couldn't before you had a light microscope.
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Re: Large SEM of Paralia sulcata

#8 Post by Hobbyst46 » Tue Mar 24, 2020 12:35 pm

Agree with all above responses, so well expressed (mrsonchus) and may I add a small personal opinion:
The beauty of a light-microscope image of clean diatoms - or even better, a live diatom, on a clean background, as often shown on this forum e.g. by 75RR and others, wins over the well-resolved SEM documentation.

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