The Microscope – Volume 73, Second Quarter 2026

IN THIS ISSUE (In production)
On the cover
Malonic acid fusion prep by light microscopy in circularly polarized light. This photomicrograph by Sebastian Sparenga — McCrone Research Institute, was selected as Best Overall at the Inter/Micro 2026 Photomicrography Competition in Chicago.
Editorial | Inter/Micro — The Second 60 Years
Gary J. LaughlinThe Microscope 73:2, p. ii, 2026https://doi.org/10.59082/JUQA4491 Excerpt: In 2008, Inter/Micro turned 60 years old and no one other than Walter C. McCrone had attended every meeting (since he first organized it) and by this time even he had not lived long enough to celebrate the diamond anniversary but retained his connection with the conference until the day he died. When Brian J. Ford and I were discussing this in 2007, he immediately suggested that he make "the first 60 years" the title and topic of his annual “Evening with Brian” for Inter/Micro 2008. I agreed, we were both confident that the second 60 years would come. As we fast approach the 80th anniversary and because none of us were there in the the earliest days, I thought an excerpt from the “Evening with Brian” given at Inter/Micro 2008 would be appropriate for the readers of this journal today.
Inter/Micro 2026 — International Microscopy Conference
Gary J. LaughlinThe Microscope 73:2, pp. 51–63, 2026https://doi.org/10.59082/FNVU2188 Abstract: McCrone Research Institute hosted the 78th Anniversary Inter/Micro microscopy conference on June 16–19, 2026. Inter/Micro is the first and longest running annual meeting for professional and amateur microscopists from all areas of light and electron microscopy since it first began in 1948. As in previous years, professional and amateur microscopists from around the world gathered together in Chicago to present their latest research, newest discoveries, and specialized techniques, to help solve analytical problems with practical solutions in various fields of microscopy and microanalysis. The 2026 author and technical paper presentation schedule was followed by a two-day, hands-on workshop on sand microscopy and analysis.
The Evaluation of a LOMO Interference Rotary Monochromator and Its Adaptation to an Olympus Microscope and Performance Evaluations of Selected Interference Filters and Monochromators
Thomas A. Kubic, Antonio Del Valle, and Nicholas Petraco The Microscope 73:2, pp. 64–74, 2026 https://doi.org/10.59082/PSCP9106 Abstract: For a number of years, Leningrad Optical Mechanical Association (LOMO), based in St. Petersburg, marketed microscopes to the West including the United States. Originally represented by LOMO America, Inc., of Prospect Heights, IL, and now discontinued by the Russian optical manufacturer, is the POLAM-L quantitative, transmitted polarized light microscope which includes many additional interesting options and accessories for the trained microscopist, such as phase contrast, dark-field, microscope objectives for higher than 10× focal plane [dispersion] staining, and an adjustable aperture contained within its viewing head to assist with conoscopic imaging of small particles. Another accessory for the POLAM-L is the LOMO rotary interference monochromator that operates by utilizing a set of six different interference filters rotated into the light beam path. The transmitted wavelengths can be varied by tilting, i.e., manually changing the angle of the continuum of radiation incident to its surface. Forensic microscopists often use interference filters for the measurement of refractive indices and dispersion with high accuracy and precision. Some of the methodologies employ dispersive monochromators as sources, while others use high quality precision interference filters. Dispersive devices are expensive and the ability to employ a filter monochromator might be a valuable alternative. In this paper, the authors report the performance characteristics of a number of interference filters determined by employing a fiber optic spectrometer for which the calibration has been verified. The performance of a LOMO interference rotary monochromator (МИП-2) is also reported by evaluating the wavelength of maximum transmission determined by the spectrometer as a function of angle of incidence and compared to the wavelength calculated by the theoretical equation for the prediction of this wavelength. In addition, the author’s in-house constructed adapter for attaching and employing this accessory with an Olympus BHS polarized light microscope is described. The authors report on the performance of two dispersive monochromators (Bausch & Lomb) of the style often employed by forensic microscopists for high quality refractive index determinations on glass particles.
Evaluation of the FDA’s Proposed Analytical Testing Methods for Asbestos in Talc-Containing Cosmetic Products
Shu-Chun Su and Mathew Sanchez The Microscope 73:2, pp. 75–79, 2026 https://doi.org/10.59082/XZMM4522 Abstract: The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has proposed standardized analytical testing methods for detecting and identifying asbestos in talc-containing cosmetic products. This perspective critically examines the scientific, technical, and regulatory implications of the proposed rule, with a focus on ensuring the accuracy, reproducibility, and legal defensibility of asbestos testing. Drawing on more than three decades of experience in forensic asbestos analysis, the authors evaluate five key areas of the FDA proposal: (1) mineral phase identification of the six regulated serpentine and amphibole asbestos species; (2) confirmation of asbestiform habit; (3) definitive identification using indexable zone-axis selected-area electron diffraction (SAED) patterns; (4) attainment of a 95% probability of successful detection at meaningful concentration levels; and (5) implementation of quantitative rather than qualitative polarized light microscopy (PLM) methods. This analysis highlights methodological gaps, proposes refinements based on established EPA, ASTM, and NVLAP-accredited laboratory protocols, and underscores the importance of integrating morphology, elemental composition, and crystal structure criteria in transmission electron microscopy (TEM) asbestos identification. Adoption of these refinements will strengthen the scientific rigor of asbestos analytical testing, safeguard public health, and enhance regulatory compliance in the cosmetics industry. The FDA has proposed a rule to standardize analytical testing methods for detecting and identifying asbestos in talc-containing cosmetic products, aiming to mitigate public health risks associated with asbestos contamination. Published in the Federal Register on December 27, 2024 (Docket No. FDA-2023-N-4225), this proposal mandates the use of PLM and TEM with energy-dispersive spectroscopy EDS and SAED. This perspective evaluates the FDA’s approach across four critical areas, offering refinements to enhance its scientific rigor and practical utility for mineralogical analysis.
The Controversy of Determining Fiber Quantification in Mixes of Bamboo and
Chemical Wood Pulps
Walter J. Rantanen, Garett Bloch, Peter Watry, Oliver Renier, and Denice Last The Microscope 73:2, pp. 80–84, 2026 https://doi.org/10.59082/SZEJ3194 Abstract: There have been claims that the paper fiber analysis method is not able to give accurate percentages of bamboo fiber content when mixed with hardwood or softwood kraft pulps. A study was carried out using several analysts and known mixtures of bamboo and chemical wood pulps. The testing used light microscopy with staining techniques to examine the anatomical differences of the pulps. The fiber counts and recommended weight factors were used to quantify the percentages and the results were examined with statistical analysis.
Critical Focus | Mythical Microbes and the Contamination of Truth
Brian J. Ford The Microscope 73:2, pp. 85–95, 2026https://doi.org/10.59082/BHCW7992 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.
Afterimage | Play
Martin Dähnrich — Berlin-Chemie AGThe Microscope 73:2, p. 96, 2026
Metformin hydrochloride by light microscopy, recrystallized by evaporation from solution. This photomicrograph was selected as Most Unique at the Inter/Micro 2026 Photomicrography Competition in Chicago.
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