Category Archives: Research

Cancer Research UK – working for Big Pharma – Part 2

Cancer, Research, , , ,
gsk fraudFraud is afoot

Cancer Research UK has a good reputation, as far as the public is concerned. But we hear rumours of the fraudulent activities of the pharmaceutical companies and their champions. This includes the US government agencies such as the FDA. In Part 2 of Cancer Research UK – working for Big Pharma, we’ll take a look at this fraud.  See Part 1 here. Continue reading Cancer Research UK – working for Big Pharma – Part 2 →

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? →