Monthly Archives: May 2016

What is an SEM?

Research, , ,
scent scale
Large white butterfly (Pieris brassicae) scent scale which disseminates pheromones to attract a mate. Magnification x1628 at 10cm wide. SEM

I asked my husband Andrew, to explain exactly what is an SEM (Scanning Electron Microscope) and how does it work.  I thought it would be of interest to those of you out there who are a bit technical and curious.  The SEM is a very much used tool, especially in the realms of research.  Without it research work would be very limited and we would not be as far forward in knowledge as we are today.

So here’s a list of the main types of microscopes that are out there:

  • LM (Light Microscope) which uses light.
  • SEM (Scanning Electron Microscope) using electrons
  • TEM (transmission electron microscope) using electrons.
  • CFM (Confocal Microscope) which uses laser light.
  • STM (Scanning Tunneling Microscope) using atomic forces.
  • ATM (Atomic Force Microscope) also using atomic forces.

Continue reading What is an SEM? →

Calcium Side Effects

Mg:Ca Balance, , ,

Einstein questionsQuestions and Answers.

In my last post, I posed some questions about why we are being misled and deceived about many issues of health but particularly the vital importance of keeping Magnesium (Mg) levels replete and at the same time, not overdosing on Calcium (Ca).

I will answer those questions below. Perhaps you will not agree with my answers but then you do have the opportunity of putting your thoughts in writing by commenting on this post!  Or perhaps you have your own questions?  We’d love to hear from you! Continue reading Calcium Side Effects →

Too Much Calcium = Side Effects

Mg:Ca Balance, , ,

electron microscopeOur Scanning Electron Microscope

My husband Andrew, has spent much of his life working with scanning electron microscopes (SEMs).  He first learnt how to use an SEM when he was with The Wellcome Foundation doing analytical biochemistry.  A few years later he went to The Wellcome Foot & Mouth Disease Virus Laboratories working on the virus as a senior technician for nearly 10 years .  He also worked on feline leukaemia and equine flu amongst other things and was one of the first to produce peptides for foot and mouth disease.  He has become very knowledgeable in the field of chemistry, laboratory techniques, scanning and transmission electron microscopy, biology and botany.  You can see some of his work at here. Continue reading Too Much Calcium = Side Effects →