Trentepohlia aurea

[Pete Askew]

I spent some time yesterday and today resurrecting our old inverted microscope because I wanted to use the differential interference contrast system on it. In the process I took a couple of snaps using a new imaging system. As I haven't posted much recently here's one of them, of a terrestrial algae called Trentepohlia aurea. @Julian de'Courcy will recognise this little fella as the orange growth often seen on buildings in his part of the world.

Reichert Biovert, 63x objective, Nomarski Differential Interference Contrast Illumination. PP in LR and PS (layered monochrome and colour image).

 

[Rob MacKillop]

Extraterrestial, more like. Very alien. I don't know why we look for aliens in outer space, when we have such a plethora of them here (not to mention Norway).

It's very beautiful, isn't it? Well, I think so. I've no idea what a differential interference contrast illumination system is, but I'm already wondering how I got this far in life without using one on a daily basis

Good stuff, Pete. We really do need you uploading more.

Why did you layer a colour and a b&w image?

 

[Pete Askew]

Thanks Rob. Every home should have DIC I think!

I was fiddling with the image and applied a green filter during the B&W conversion as I often used a green filter when shooting B&W film of algae to enhance contrast. It brought out the fine detail in the chloroplasts that was less visible in the colour image. However, I missed the distinctive pigmentation and so I overlaid a colour version in PS with low opacity. This gave the best of both although, for authenticity, I should shift the colour back to orange - the red is partly an artefact of the DIC setting I used.

 

[Rob MacKillop]

Very good. I can see your way of thinking.

 

[Brian Moore]

Its a virus! Looks a bit like a carpet with an odd pattern.

 

[Pete Askew]

Damn, I've been sussed! Yes, it's a viral advert for a carpet manufacturer.

Thanks, Brian.

 

[Rob MacKillop]

I also thought it had a rugged quality...

 

[Julian de'Courcy]

Interesting Pete. I must try some? I see it, as you say it grows here a lot. Can I eat it. I eat Spirulina & Chlorella from time to time, purchased of course. A freebie is always welcome though.

 

[Pete Askew]

I don't think you can, Julian.

 

[Julian de'Courcy]

I don't think you can, Julian.

Ok I'll give it a miss.

 

[Hamish Gill]

I dunno, since you took over the place I've thought you've been a bit cocky, but getting your DIC out ... Whatever next?!?