Amoeba Gold

The testate amoebae found in Lake George sediment are about the size of a speck of dust (approximately 200-400 micrometers). To identify them and study their tests (shells), artist Elinor Mossop prepared specimens for the SEM by selecting them from the sediment using one of her own eyelashes glued to a toothpick. Mossop stuck the tests to an aluminum "stub" that serves as a slide for this type of microscope, and then coated them with a very fine layer of gold to enhance conductivity. This photo shows the stub with tiny lumps, which are the amoeba tests, coated in gold.


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