Critical Focus | Mythical Microbes and the Contamination of Truth
THE MICROSCOPE
2026, Volume 73:2, pp. 85–95
DOI
https://doi.org/10.59082/BHCW7992
AUTHOR
Brian J. Ford
EXCERPT
Science is in dangerous territory, and microscopy is being threatened as never before. There is a plague of fake images flooding the internet. Unscrupulous scholars and uninformed graphic designers are creating an entire universe of synthetic microbes and non-existent microscopical specimens that are distorting realities and instilling in the tyro, a misguided and ill-informed view of life. Nothing like this has ever happened before on such a scale. Cell biology is a key science; but its integrity is in jeopardy.
Part of the problem is that the public (including the students) doesn't know about microorganisms, and are unfamiliar with the wonders of microscopy, so they won’t spot a mistake. There is always so much interest in natural history programs, but you won’t find microbes on television. All you see are crude computer-generated imagery (CGI) distortions.
Part of the problem is that the public (including the students) doesn't know about microorganisms, and are unfamiliar with the wonders of microscopy, so they won’t spot a mistake. There is always so much interest in natural history programs, but you won’t find microbes on television. All you see are crude computer-generated imagery (CGI) distortions.
Only complete issues for this publication year are available for $25 each, plus shipping; individual articles are not for sale. To request a complete issue, or for any other inquires, please send email to themicroscope@mcri.org.
Shipping: Unless you specify otherwise, the shipping will be 3-5 day Priority Mail through the United States Postal Service.