Marvellous Macro page 8

Mike McNamee returns to his roots in microscopy

SCANNING ELECTRON MICROSCOPY

This part of the article is not about macro but real micro! When you run out of steam with visible light, the only way to get more depth of field, resolution and magnification is through the electron microscope. Here a stream of electrons are directed at parts of a wasp that have been specially coated in palladium to make them conduct electricity. The top, false-colour image shows the hamuli, which link the front and rear wings of the wasp so that it can create more lift when it flaps its wings, just like a jumbo jet lowering its flaps for landing. The hamuli (yellow) clip the leading edge of the rear wing to the trailing edge of the front wing, the clasp-like shape allowing rotation but, when required, the wasp can un-hinge the wings totally for cleaning.

On the right, the intricate front leg assembly of the wasp at 120x full size, a remarkable feat of miniature engineering!

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Photo Quote: Everyone has talent. What is rare is the courage to follow the talent to the dark place where it leads. - Erica Jong