The Microscope - Volume 58, First Quarter 2010

IN THIS ISSUE:

On the cover: McCrone Research Institute in Chicago observes its 50th anniversary in 2010, marking a distinguished history of microscopy education, microanalytical research, and book and journal publishing. The cover shows Institute founder Dr. Walter C. McCrone in 1976 and a microscopy class in the 1970s. See Editorial: 50 Years of Microscopy Education and Research by Gary J. Laughlin.

Editorial: 50 Years of Microscopy Education and Research

Gary J. Laughlin
The Microscope. 58 (1), p ii
Excerpt: This year marks the 50th anniversary of McCrone Research Institute (McRI). The mission of this not-for-profit educational and research organization is to increase the use of the microscope in science and technology through courses, conferences and publications. Today, it is recognized internationally as a leader in microscopy education and microanalytical research as it continues to expand its already successful efforts on all topics related to the microscope, including forensic science, environmental pollution, pharmaceutics, art conservation and counterterrorism. Full article (PDF)

Forensic Applications of Foraminifera

Andrew M. Bowen
The Microscope. 58 (1), pp 3-18
Abstract: Foraminifera are single-celled protozoa whose tests are found in great abundance on beaches and as fossils in marine limestones. A general introduction to foraminifera and their tests is followed by a discussion of their potential applications in forensic science. Several case examples are described where foraminifera were valuable in solving forensic problems. Full article (PDF)

The Cheat and the Microscope: Plagiarism Over the Centuries

Brian J. Ford
The Microscope. 58 (1), pp 21-32
Excerpt: Much is written on plagiarism in academia, particularly in connection with students who utilize material available on the Internet and submit it as their own work. … The Internet has brought so much information so easily to our desks that plagiarism has become fashionable and, in some quarters, almost acceptable. … It is not such a new phenomenon, however. Since the dawn of microscopy in the 17th century, ideas, drawings and intellectual property have been repeatedly misappropriated. Full article (PDF)

Tricks of the Trade: Quick Coloring for SEM Images Method 1 – Photoshop Hue/Saturation

Sebastian B. Sparenga
The Microscope. 58 (1), pp 33-34
Excerpt: Bored of looking at the same gray image through a scanning electron microscope? There are several ways you can color those black and white SEM images to make your samples pop more. This article will discuss one of two preferred methods. Full article (PDF)

Critical Focus: The Royal Society Turns 350

Brian J. Ford
The Microscope. 58 (1), pp 35-40
Excerpt: The Royal Society (royalsociety.org) is celebrating its 350th anniversary. It is a remarkable achievement. The Society is Britain’s academy of all the sciences and one of the greatest academies in the world. The publicity insists that it is also the oldest scientific academy in the world, though the Italian Accademia dei Lincei (literally, the “Academy of the Lynx-Eyed”) dates from nearly half a century earlier. Full article (PDF)

Obituary: Harold M. Malies, Former Editor of The Microscope

Jeremy Malies
The Microscope. 58 (1), pp 41-42
Excerpt: Harold M. Malies, an English-born microscopist and mechanical engineer, who served as Editor of The Microscope journal, died on February 22 in Brighton, Sussex, England; the cause of death was amyloidosis. He was 89 and lived for most of his life in Brighton. Mr. Malies became The Microscope’s second Editor, succeeding founder Arthur L.E. Barron in 1962, the year Dr. Walter C. McCrone acquired the journal and began publishing it in Brighton. Full article (PDF)