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Archive for the ‘Biological Microscopes’ Category

Thinking of yanking your kids out of school and teaching them yourself?

The number of parents choosing to homeschool their children are rising. Besides being a very economical option, it allows parents to actively participate in their child’s education. However, some parents worry about their competence, especially when it comes to teaching upper grade courses like the more specialized science of Biology. The mere mention of the subject brings to mind biological microscopes in antiseptic-smelling laboratories and white coats — definitely something that would intimidate a parent without a degree.

But beyond this preconceived notion of difficulty (and perhaps the fear of using biological microscopes), teaching your child high school biology is challenging but definitely doable. Here are some useful tips to help you through the rigors of biological studies with your teen:

1. Get access to a laboratory.

Either you set up one at home, look up possibilities at the local library, or ask your local school district for help, it’s very important to have access to one. You probably don’t need to use it very often, especially if you’re using the nature study approach. But you will definitely need use of at least student-grade biological microscopes. To spice lessons up, try getting the more powerful stereo microscope fitted with cameras or video monitors.

2. Try nature study to keep it fun.

Biology is a boring subject to those who are not especially gifted. And because your child is mostly studying from home, it’s important to fan the interest despite the boring nature of the subject. How do you do this? Be creative!

Instead of just using charts and color photographs, take your teen outdoors and study nature outside. The trip can be a combination of fun and learning if you bring sturdy biological microscopes along with your digital camera, and put learning objectives on your itinerary.

3. Know what to use, when, and how.

Biological microscopes are great tools for learning. But there are other equipment you can use as well. Visuals are very important because recall is better if lessons come in graphic, colorful images. Toss in the fact that the organism appears truly alive under a microscope and it becomes unforgettable to a curious teen’s mind. How light plays on different substances is rarely visible to the naked eye. But with polarized light microscopes, you can distinctively see optical properties of both isotropic (usually liquids and gases) and anisotropic materials (about 90 percent of solids).

Distance education programs are also excellent tools you may want to add to your repertoire as an educator. The materials in an online course are wonderfully illustrated and you’ll find detailed explanations for each lesson. In biology classes, you’re likely to find clear color photographs of what you’d see under a biological microscope when you’re instructed to do so. It won’t only give you the help you need for homeschooling your child, it also gives you the opportunity to learn. You can use an online program as a tutor and real life laboratory work to see it for yourself.

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Biological microscopes are wonderful tools for discovery. Check out CanScope.ca’s selection of microscopes in Toronto, microscope accessories Toronto, and more today!

For young children, a stereo microscope is one of the most useful gifts you can provide them with to nurture their curiosity and creativity. Usually, it is of lower power than a compound microscope with magnification levels at approximately 10X-40X. And as children can study whole albeit small objects like flowers, insects and rocks as well as prepared slides under it, they will have fun with the device.

However, children being what they are, you will need to supervise their activities with the microscope. This will ensure their safety and prolong the life of the equipment.

Set-Up

First and foremost, make sure that the microscope is placed on a flat surface, preferably a tabletop, with plenty of room for working purposes. It must be within easy reach of the person using it whilst still securely within the working area’s perimeter. You don’t want your expensive stereo microscope shattering at your feet, do you?

Second, ensure that you plug the microscope into the appropriate outlet. Just follow specification on this matter to avoid mishaps. Plus, make sure that excess cord is safely positioned – think hidden – such that no one will trip on it.

Third, use either the bottom lighting or top lighting of the stereo microscope to have the best view of the target. For opaque objects, use top lighting while transparent objects mounted on slides view best in bottom lighting.

Now that you have properly set up your microscope and work station, it’s time to let your kids enjoy the show.

Use

When placing your specimen under the stereo microscope, use the stage clips when and where necessary. For example, specimens that curl up at the side can be studied better when it lies flat upon the stage.

However, if your specimen is considerably larger than the stage, it’s a good idea to unclip the stage clips. This way, you have more room to work with the specimen under study.

When focusing, you can either turn the focus knob or turn the specimen. The trick is in making sure that the specimen is directly under the objective lens. Plus, be sure to focus as slowly as possible to avoid eye strain.

For small children, you have to supervise them by looking at the eyepiece once in a while. You have to guide them, too, in using the equipment as sudden turns can affect the device’s future performance.

Maintenance

As soon as you are finished using the stereo microscope, you have to turn off the switch, remove the target/specimen, unplug the power cord, and then cover it with its dust cover. All these precautions are necessary to prevent the microscope from faster wear and tear.

And you don’t use just about any cleaning solvent on your microscope either! For the body, use a soft dry cloth to wipe away the dust on the exterior while a non-solvent cleaning solution is best for the lenses’ exterior side and a bulb-type duster for its interior side.

In all these activities, keep in mind that a stereo microscope is a delicate and dear piece of equipment in more ways than one. As such, care must be exercised when using and maintaining it. This way, you and your children can enjoy many more adventures in the world of microscopy!

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Contact: 1-877-56SCOPE(72673) or info@CanScope.ca

Visit CanScope.ca for your microscope needs. All of their microscopes, from the biological microscopes, to the polarized light microscope to the stereo microscope are a joy to own. Buy now!

In school, you were probably able to view specimens using biological microscopes during Lab class. Tissues of different items and other cellular matters were definitely fascinating to see magnified under a microscope. If you were not asked to memorize each and every part of the specimen you were checking, you’d have enjoyed these classes immensely.

In the real world, biological microscopes are used in ways that you will find interesting. They are more than just laboratory equipment that are used to study the components of certain matters. They also serve a higher purpose. They keep our world from being overtaken by pepole with bad intentions and organisms that are naturally programmed to wreak havoc on our fragile lives.

Take it from CSI

If you have seen a single episode of CSI and other crime investigation shows, you will notice that a huge part of investigating a crime involves probing and analyzing objects in a laboratory. Complete with white lab coats and the latest equipment, detectives are able to figure out the pieces of a crime scene. With a few deduction processes and rounding up of witnesses, they are able to find the suspect and close a case. Sounds ideal and exciting and you probably think that this can only happen in movies.

You may be inclined to think that police departments are not entirely high-tech because they are government-subsidized but these laboratories are really a big part of investigating crimes these days. After all, if detectives can employ psychics and other paranormal techniques in solving a case, what makes you think that they will not rely on the steady and consistent results of laboratory analysis? DNA analysis to catch suspects are all the rage these days but we cannot discount the help of biological microscopes in case investigations.

Our police departments today may not have all equipment that is being used in CSI shows but they definitely have microscopes. They use them for analyzing all aspects of a crime scene. When you really think about it, these microscopes are part of the intricate system that helps keep our streets safe.

Keeping the World Free from Little Enemies

Biological microscopes are also used in keeping the whole of mankind safe from viruses and bacteria that can possible wipe out the entire human race. One example that hits close to home is the flu virus. This virus has many strains that affect most of us a few times a year. Not all of these strains have an effective cure or vaccine. With the use of microscopes and other equipment, scientists are able to analyze how these strains behave and which substances can help kill them. Without our ability to study them at a cellular level, our world will not be as safe as it is now. You might argue that we are not really virus-free but you have to admit that there is no Bubonic plague waiting for us at the corner. That is a big deal.

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Contact: 1-877-56SCOPE(72673) or info@CanScope.ca

There many kinds of biological microscopes in Toronto used in the study of crimes and viruses. Examples are the stereo microscope toronto and the polarized light microscopes in toronto. If you want to know more about them, visit www.CanScope.ca.

Microscopes come in many forms and types. Gone are the days when the only terms related to the microscope are the electron and the compound microscopes. Today, there are numerous kinds and you don’t even know what each is really used for. You can’t even differentiate one type from another.

To clear that clutter on your mind, let’s get a few things straight.

First, the modern microscope can be classified according to compound or stereo. The compound microscope uses only one eye-piece (that cylindrical part of the microscope that you put your eyes on to see the specimen being examined). On the other hand, the stereo microscope uses two optical paths and has the ability to give you a 3D image. It is for this reason that this kind of modern microscope is very popular in surgery and in dissecting objects and even machine tools.

Second, there are two frame types of the modern microscope: the upright microscope and the inverted microscope. For you to have a clearer understanding on the difference of the two, you must be familiar with the major parts of the microscope first.

* The Illumination system – this refers to the group of parts that gives lighting to the specimen. This group includes the lamp, the condenser, the diaphragms (or pinhole apertures) and the rheostat, among others.

* The Stage – this is where the specimen rests. Usually, the specimen is held in place and moved with the use of clips and a micromanipulator, respectively.

* The Lens system- these are the group of parts responsible in forming the image. This includes the eyepiece, objective lenses, tube and the nosepiece (the mount that holds several objective lenses).

To distinguish an upright from an inverted microscope, you only need to remember the placement of the three major microscope parts mentioned above. The upright microscope is your standard view of a microscope: on top is the lens system, followed by the stage, and then the illumination system. The inverted microscope, on the other hand, has the reverse sequence. You have the illumination system on top, then the stage, followed by the lens system.

Does an inverted microscope make sense? At the outset, the idea might seem ridiculous. But upon careful consideration, you’d realize how useful an inverted microscope is.

This kind of frame is very useful in examining a specimen that’s either too large or too heavy. Yes, an inverted microscope would come in handy if you want to study cells in suspension. This is because the lenses are closer to the bottom of the specimen – where the cells are. Thus, it makes more sense to make use of an inverted microscope rather than an upright microscope in this scenario.

Microscopes – just like cameras – use accessories too. Among the widely used accessories are: the Epi-fluorescent attachment kit, a mechanical case, or even a microscope case. These make your microscope become more powerful (just when you think they could not get any more powerful, huh?).

So there you are, a little clarification about the many terms related to the microscope. To review, the modern microscope can be classified as either stereo or compound. But in relation to frame types, only two words must come to mind: upright and inverted. Easy enough, right?

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Contact: 1-877-56SCOPE(72673) or info@CanScope.ca

Looking for an upright microscope or an inverted microscope in Toronto? Check out CanScope.ca. Visit the site too for more choices of Epi-fluorescent attachment kits.

What do you know about inverted microscopes?

Inverteds (as they are called) got their name because the recognized standard – the upright microscope – works in a specific way, and is the most easily recognized orientation of a microscope. Upright microscopes look down at specimens with light source below it. These are the types of microscopes usually used by medical technologies doing your blood work; inverted ones, on the other hand, look up the specimen with light sources above the specimen.

Although the equipment was first introduced in the 19th century, it saw use in the observation of marine life only during the first years of the 20th century. During World War II, the inverted microscope was used to analyze solid, heavy metals like iron and steel. These days, inverteds are useful in many types of research that use large, heavy or otherwise bulky samples requiring a wide berth of geometry.

Aquatic Research and Sciences

Although the ecology in deep seas can be recreated for observation of a small bowl or a miniature aquarium, the container holding the specimen requires a relatively wide staging. Additionally, aquatic live and living organisms are prone to gravity and tend to settle down the base of the container. This makes it ideal to place the sample or its container above to allow for more flexibility and to be able to conduct observations in more natural circumstances.

Modern Microscopes

By now, you’d have surmised that inverteds are useful in several fields, particularly in research observations. Besides aquatic and materials research, inverteds are also useful in observing tissue culture on petri dishes — a common method used in biological sciences and medicines research. Modern inverted microscopes however, are designed for flexibility, with the user in mind.

Today, most modern microscopes are able to multi-task, with the whole ensemble being a collection of interchangeable parts that can be fitted together to serve a purpose. Manufacturers have worked hard and are working hard to meet the demands of the various sectors and users of microscopes. They are also integrating microscopy techniques to create separable modules.

In this day and age, the more modular a microscope is, the more economical it is. Manufacturers make a wide range of modules to suit many purposes across disciplines, users, and even across different microscopy techniques. So, if you find an inverted microscope with an epi-flourescent attachment, don’t be surprised. That’s evolution at work.

Technology Integration

Besides the modularization of inverted microscopes, new designs include internal light sources that are below or parallel to the specimen. Most viewing and recording controls are still below the sample. This new design allows you to put specimens directly on top of the microscope. This, in turn, allows you to manipulate sample placement in a wide geometry of choices for total flexibility.

More advanced models integrate video capabilities for specimen scanning and direct digital or analog data recording. This is very useful in various laboratories that require fast, data analysis. Often, these video microscopes are integrated into the laboratories digital or automated systems for sample analysis.

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Looking for an inverted microscope in toronto? Whether it’s an inverted or upright microscope you need or an microscope accessories in Toronto, www.Canscope.ca can provide what you need, when you need it.

What do you know about the compound microscope?

Probably a common apparatus at most high school science laboratories, the compound microscope use the popular combination of dual lenses and light reflection. In a world becoming infinitesimally smaller in each generation, microscopes of all types, caliber, sizes and capabilities can be found virtually everywhere — from laboratories in high school campuses, colleges, universities, to research and development laboratories of pharmaceutical companies and a host of other manufacturers.

Getting to Know Microscopes

The compound microscope has more than one lens — usually two — to do its job. The most basic of all types — the simple microscope uses a single lens. Impliedly, it offers a better view and more capabilities. Here are basics of microscopy:

1. Light Source.

Illumination is a basic requirement in microscopy. Some microscopes have mirrors that reflect light from sources outside of the microscope. Others, like the fluorescence microscope have their own specific sources of illumination, in its case a mercury-vapor lamp or a xenon arc lamp. Those using specific light sources are generally more powerful as these lights are more intense than generic day or lamplights used by ordinary compound microscopes.

2. Objective Lens.

All microscopes have objective lens — the lens closest to the object under probe; not all microscopes have eyepieces. Although the common image the word conjures is that of an ocular device, there are highly advanced microscopes that do not have an eyepiece. Some microscopes have three eyepieces for normal viewing and for mounting a camera, like the trinocular microscope. Instead, there are mounted on cameras and or video displays for a state-of-the-art, 3D view of microscopic objects or organisms. If you follow popular American TV, you would have already seen this in shows like House, MD.

3. Magnification Controls.

Yes, the term sounds impressive but it’s also very basic. Microscopes, regardless of power and/or grade, allow you to control magnification levels with adjustment knobs. Usually, the magnification power is a factor of the objective lens and the eyepiece. In all cases, the maximum magnification is 2000x. Practical Applications

Compound microscopes are used in many fields and for various purposes. The type of compound microscope you need and the magnification levels you require is determined by what you want to see, the specimen you’re using and what you want to do with the images. Incidentally, manufacturers have developed a range of microscopes with specific applications and users in mind. It’s now common to find different grades of one type of microscope. Student-grade compound microscopes — probably an inexpensive tool — are found in virtually all high school laboratories across the globe. Professional-grade compound microscopes can be found in research laboratories where you usually find white coats. Fortunately, manufacturers of this equipment like Meji Techno, Nikon, and Olympus make customizing microscopes possible with a range of selections that come with various accessories. You can configure your own microscope to suit your specific application.

But wait! That’s not all. Working closely with its user base, these companies are constantly working toward improving their existing line with creative and imaginative input from people who use their products the most. So, have you and your compound microscope met?

CanScope – complete solution for all your microscopy needs.
Contact: 1-877-56SCOPE(72673) or info@CanScope.ca

A compound microscope in Toronto can get you started on the road to discovery. Check out CanScope.ca’s selection of microscopes in Toronto, microscope accessories in Toronto , and more!

When you talk about microscopes, you imagine a piece of metal with a viewing port, some mechanisms for lighting, a few lenses and a specimen. Well, while this perception may apply to all kinds of microscopes, this is pretty generic and an expert in microscopy would say that you’ve probably never grown out of those student’s microscopes. Perhaps, the only time you’ve seen a microscope was during your Science class in your elementary years. Today, however, there are so many kinds of microscopes in the market. If you think that mobile phones have been growing like wildfire in the last decade, wait till you see how the microscope has evolved – at least for the past 50 years or so.

Today, you can already encounter terms such as the digital microscope, the fluorescent microscope and the atomic force microscope. Sounds fascinating? Scary perhaps. Then, you can also hear terms such as the inverted and the upright microscope – add to that the research microscope.

If you are not a man of science – and I mean a true-blue man of science – it would be particularly hard for you to differentiate one from another. For you, all you need to know is that the microscope helps you see things that are not visible to the unaided eye – that’s it! No more, no less.

But it doesn’t hurt to update your “scientific knowledge,” right? Thus, this article, will try to explain – using simple words – one of the terms in microscopy (the field of microscopes and of viewing small objects): the research microscope.

What is a research microscope then? For starters, the term is primarily associated with size. Size can be classified according to routine or research (for inverted microscopes) or student, bench-top, and research (for upright microscopes). An upright microscope is one where the lenses are above the illumination system. An inverted microscope, on the other hand, is the type in where the lenses are below the illumination system. This type is mostly used in studying cells that are in suspension.

Back to topic on the research microscope.

Basically, inverted or upright, a research microscope is big: it is the biggest, in fact. A typical research microscope weighs between 30kg and 50kg. Why is it big? Primarily because it is capable of a lot of things.

It can accommodate cameras and several other documentation accessories. It also has a versatile stage (the part where your sample plate is placed). Also, it is capable of Kohler Illumination (the ideal lighting). Some research microscopes even have built-in computers and monitors. In summary, the research microscope is capable of doing anything. This basically explains why it is so big, not to mention expensive.

If you are simply curious of the world around you, you don’t need an extravagant kind such as a research microscope. This type is ideal for scientists and researchers whose only job day in and day out is to study the very essence of cells and other minute objects. What you need is the ordinary compound microscope or a student’s microscope perhaps.

The microscope indeed has helped scientists discover a lot of things. Now, with the research microscope out and proud, it would not be long before they will be able to discover a few more things – things that will help commoners understand the world better.

CanScope – complete solution for all your microscopy needs.
Contact: 1-877-56SCOPE(72673) or info@CanScope.ca

Whatever the type of microscope you need, you can find it at CanScope.ca. Visit their site and discover loads about student’s microscopes and about the more sophisticated kinds: the research microscope and the digital microscope.