What Microscope Do We Use? (And Other Frequently Asked Questions)

[@dennyoconnor8680]

The skill of your partner in finding microbes, selecting a clear view from a blob of sludge, focusing, selecting light source/angle/polarity/intensity and otherwise creating images is superlative. My compliments to you both. It brings me back to the wonder I felt 70 years ago when I looked through my first microscope at ten at a thin slice of onion and seeing living cells pumping fluids and particles about (mind blowing) Most of my scope work the past 40 years has been mundane - is there blood in the urine, are there too many red/white cells in a blood smear (or too few), is the sputum contaminated with bacteria/wbc, etc. It is nice to return to the poetry. Thank you.

[@wonderwend1]

Dude, you need to find a nearby pond and scoop some sludge to look at on your lunchbreak 😉

[@isaac10231]

@serendipidus1 Yeah onion cells are super popular in high school biology classes.

[@Rick-tt6yq]

serendipidus1 ....I think you can still get a decent scope for $250...check out places like Kijiji or new scopes on Amazon, or Amscope. Even a decent cheap scope (not a kids toy scope) will give you a lifetime of enjoyment.

[@Rick-tt6yq]

serendipidus1 Agree that there are some scopes of dubious quality out there. I use an Amscope b490b and really suits my interests. I generally just use the 10x eyepieces and do most of my observing at 400-800x. I also have a dark field condenser that I use for pond critters and it always reminds me of my old 10inch f5 Newtonian reflector telescope on a clear, dark night...breathtaking! Anyway, wishing you well on your search for a great scope....just reminded myself that I saw a collection of Leicas and Leitz scopes for sale on kijiji once....apparently the family of a deceased pathologist wanted them to go to good homes...sigh...I missed that one. Happy hunting!

[@Kenny-yl9pc]

The team is a lot bigger than just the two. But James is clearly the one doing the most amount and important part of the work. But that doesnt mean the other guys arent doing as much great work and contribution to make everything possible. They are a fine team and doing a great job. I can only applaud them for their achievement and especially James for his passion, dedication, patience and effort to get all the interesting footage and let us all take part in the journey to the microcosmos. U Unchi Punchi U

[@davidandrex2]

I remember my science teacher say that the transparency is similar to how if you cover a strong flashlight with your hand you can see your veins and bones in your hand. thats whats happening to the bacteria.

[@galeprinster3518]

David Kirkpatrick that’s a really helpful analogy. Thanks for sharing!

[@Leseulmecsansnom]

Ohhh thanks! I thought they were just transparent like that

[@bobsagget823]

dumb people

[@MrSpruce]

@@bobsagget823 Don't worry; everyone thinks that you're Einstein version 2.0.

[@noinformationavailable4114]

Awesome analogy! I'll be sure to use this actually :)

[@rickseiden1]

8:40 "Calm down, friend." I'm surprised any of these little guys can stay excited while Hank's soothing voice is talking over them.

[@jahnavee_palsodkar]

How do you do this? Like link a moment of the video in the comments section?

[@harshsinghal4342]

@@jahnavee_palsodkar just type something like 7:35 or 6:52 and KZbin will automatically convert it into a link.

[@jahnavee_palsodkar]

@@harshsinghal4342 thank you so much!!

[@harshsinghal4342]

@@jahnavee_palsodkar no problem

[@Lyle-xc9pg]

Hank is not talking over them, you understand that?

[@6Twisted]

This channel has changed the way I look at the world. Instead of seeing dirt, mould ect, now I see an ecosystem full of microbes trying to survive just like us. It's cured my OCD a little.

[@Nobody-Nowhere]

watch your step

[@Judicial78]

I used to be germaphobic, thanks to the misinformed and easily manipulated mass media. Now I don't wash my hands before eating, and only wash after taking a dump. I can't get enough antigens in my immuno-library. Like pokemon, I wanna catch them all.

[@maximthefox]

@@Judicial78 if I've prepared food I'll always wash my hands throughout the cooking process depending on what I'm making, but I'd never even thought about washing my hands before I eat before... and I'm a pretty healthy dude

[@AnalyticalReckoner]

I doubt you really had OCD then.

[@6Twisted]

@@AnalyticalReckoner Well you'd have to explain that to the psychiatrist that diagnosed me.

[@rocketbackhander6280]

A microscope sponsorship!! That is the absolute coolest thing I've heard all week! Good work, James!

[@jrpstonecarver]

Agreed. Totally cool! And so subtle. We haven't seen ads or announcements about it at all. I appreciate it all the more.

[@sueanoimm]

@@jrpstonecarver i guess they saw Jame's work and they're like "cool, we want more of this here take our stuff"

[@last9up]

@@jrpstonecarver yes seriously appreciate this

[@mudgetheexpendable]

Ten calm minutes a week. Informative, beautiful, soothing...my favorite 2019 brain treat. Thank you.

[@deathsnitemaresinfullust2269]

I think it would be safe to say it's also now a Much Needed source of joy for 2020. LoL! The content is absolutely brilliant from this channel

[@sitarnut]

And 2020

[@CRMayerCo]

Also, kinda interesting to see what James looks like.

[@maniestacio9245]

😍

[@brendakrieger7000]

Yes, me too😊

[@Ginko735]

I guess he's a stoner, and watches those things high✌️

[@baptistedelplanque8859]

Magnification is missing there.

[@rotifer]

*You guys always know how to make me look fabulous.*

[@MandrakeFernflower]

Today I was looking at a sample of lake water and I found one of you

[@santiagobriseno3751]

Yes you are

[@Beryllahawk]

Hank: "Calm down, friend." Microbe: NYOOOOOOOOOM

[@llearch]

I do wonder how (or what mechanism there is to do so) they track the image, since it's moving around a lot, and all.

[@alphaamoeba]

@@llearch there are some levers that move the lid i think

[@velvetsrose]

@@llearch Generally on microscopes, there are one or two little twisty knobs that move the stage (the part of the microscope the slide sits on) forwards/backwards and left/right. If you get used to using microscopes, its pretty intuitive how much to move them to follow something on the slide and such.

[@Silverizael]

@@velvetsrose Though even so, with how fast some of these microbes move, it would be really hard to keep up with them. Kudos to James for his professional level microscopy skills!

[@sarah3796]

She has the zoomies

[@mimiteas]

I was upset about something when I started watching the video and I was relaxed by the end of the first minute. I am so grateful for the existence of this channel, for all the work of James and the team! Thank you! ❤️

[@slappy8941]

I could be on fire and Hank's voice would make me feel better about it.

[@AntsCanada]

This is TOTALLY awesome! Thank goodness to James and the team for incredible work!

[@EliGhosty]

WOAH nice seeing you here!

[@Lifers]

This might be useful to Antscanada to see what kind of mites and other organisms live in your colonies.

[@tYou16]

One of my favorite youtubers watching another one of my favorite youtubers!

[@shrivanth6774]

Any ant lover's from India

[@alpho789]

…okey. Didn’t expect to see you here.

[@hikerJohn]

I think one of the real talents in this is FOLLOWING the fast microbes around the slide. I have a microscope and it's hard because everything is reverse of what your looking at so when something goes left I always move the slide in the wrong direction.

[@FaultAndDakranon]

John Some microscopes flip it for you. Which then undoes all the training you gave yourself to figure it out.

[@mmtruooao8377]

i was so frustrated in beginning bio courses because i could never focus microscopes well, even focusing on stained slides of still life... that did have to improve during microbiology, but it's a skill, and it's one that james is truly mastering

[@TheBullethead]

What I want to know is how you follow anything at all. The slide only has to move microns at a time to keep the critter in frame center. How do you do that without overshooting by huge amounts?

[@FaultAndDakranon]

@@TheBullethead You twiddle knobs to move the slide, not use hands, with a good gear differential (phrasing?).

[@TheBullethead]

@@FaultAndDakranon Thanks. The gearing for such fine movement must be incredibly intricate and expensive.

[@Tullio238]

Just got to add, the music really completes these videos. Really enjoying this channel

[@PrimiusLovin]

I could watch hours of mixed chillout music (e.g Carbon Based Lifeforms) with these videos!

[@Moticeurope]

We’re proud about what James achieves and we are happy for our small contribution to the science community. Thanks to his talent, we can enjoy these beautiful images. Congratulations!

[@Oneirophrenic123]

Hey Motic! Which microscope did you sponsor? The BA310 Binocular, the LED Binocular, the Trinocular or the LED Trinocular?

[@dejayrezme8617]

@@Oneirophrenic123 My guess is trinocular so he can attach the Fuji X-T3 camera. I'd be curious what kind of adapter is ideal for an APS-C camera. Or if a MFT camera is better.

[@alicoban8683]

Can you gift me a microscope? I want to buy a lot but it is not possible for me ...

[@AjrAlves]

The soundtrack you guys use is SO FREAKING GOOD

[@TheLydiaReed]

All the music is made by Andrew Huang. He's a KZbinr and musician. You can get his stuff on Itunes and Spotify. His channel >>> kzbin.info His GLORIOUS MIDI NARWHAL video is one of my personal favorites.

[@dancingintherain111]

This is quickly becoming my favorite ever KZbin channel. Keep doing what you're doing, you guys.

[@smaakjeks]

I like to consider how rich you would have to be to have lived 400 years ago, and have a personal microbe expert come into your estate and show you images, models, or drawings of little pond buddies. It's pretty neat to be alive in this century. Thanks for the video! As for merch, I suggest t-shirts. People like those. I'll buy your t-shirt.

[@barbarahouk1983]

Leeuwenhoek was born in 1623 so the microscope was not yet invented 400 yrs ago bc this is the inventor.

[@smaakjeks]

@@barbarahouk1983 What they also didn't have 400 years ago: pedantic youtube comments. I'm rounding up to closest century.

[@JamsGerms]

My living room never got this much attention! :D Thanks for coming to see it!

[@LuxStrangelove]

70" flatscreen here!! Every Monday with my coffee since week two!

[@katiekane5247]

The saddest thing I had to leave when we moved recently was the baby pool converted to a frog & dragonfly habitat. Got my grandson a cheap microscope & we looked at all manner of cool stuff. I've been known to teach anatomy with roadkill too. NOT your average grandma. Love sharing this channel with him, he also likes composing on his IPAD. Never stop being you!

[@Oneirophrenic123]

Which Motic BA310 do you use? Binocular, LED Binocular, Trinocular or LED Trinocula? What's the Fujifilm lens you guys use? I would appreciate an answer a lot! And bu the way Hank, I am a huge fan of all the things you are starring in on KZbin! Thank you so much for doing all of this!

[@tiberiu_nicolae]

Thank you for all those answers! The Nassula ornata at the end moves like my roomba

[@semaj_5022]

Such an amazing channel. Never thought I could be so at peace while learning so much at the same time. Keep up the great work guys! This type of thing is much needed in our world of chaos.

[@rotifer]

*Ok the secret's out. Hay infusion is my favorite meal. Shhh, don't tell anyone!*

[@AlexVanChezlaw]

Based rotifer

[@georgec8859]

SPORE CELL STAGE ABSOLUTE KINGS

[@jtktomb8598]

spore 2 wheeen

[@agustinfraygola3696]

Im loving this youtube channel, im a biology student and i learn a lot here, please continue doing it!

[@jahnavee_palsodkar]

Me too!

[@jtktomb8598]

@@jahnavee_palsodkar Me three

[@Ginko735]

Biology teacher here, my students and I love it!

[@l.johnkellerii1597]

This has become one of my favorite channels! I think the inclusion of a scale bar would be a very useful addition to your presentations.

[@mattfleming86]

I genuinely hope that this sponsorship brings many extra sales to them. What a special thing they did. Thanks, Motic. You made the world a better place when you did that. Somewhere out there is an intrigued soul calculating how long they need to save up their lunch money to buy one- and its the same kind of intrigued soul that cures cancer or solves the energy crisis.

[@crylune]

It's literally 1500€

[@mattfleming86]

@@crylune Yes, microscopes are expensive. We use them in our business and good glass is a substantial cost.

[@AClockWorkKelly1]

Truly this is one of the most beautiful channels on KZbin

[@davidschmidt6013]

Absolutely fantastic channel. One knows it's being done by a truly skilled operator when it looks so easy. I'm a ready-to-retire middle school Science teacher and I use a lot of vids from KZbin in my classes. I'm glad I've lived long enough to see this kind of high-quality 'film'-work freely available for young folks (and old...I never get tired of learning new things). Thank you very much for your work in creating and sharing these vids. It is truly appreciated.

[@MrSafer]

A hidden gem on KZbin. Keep it up, this quality content will blow up soon enough.

[@elliottmcollins]

These videos prompted me to buy a microscope so I could show my kids pictures of tardigrades, parameceum, rotifers, diatoms, and so many other things I can't name. Just a $70 microscope with a mount for a smartphone and a bit of pond water has gotten them excited about this world and given me hours of fun. If anyone else who likes this thinking of trying it, I can't recommend it enough.

[@gerdahuertas26]

Thank you for your show. I really enjoy the information and try to identify all the organisms you film. Love the music too. It was great meeting James. Stay safe.

[@alphaamoeba]

People acknowledging that Spore is a thing makes me so happy

[@slappy8941]

You know, you can just look up the correct spelling of words, or let your spell checker do it.

[@alphaamoeba]

@@slappy8941 i know... English aint my mother tongue tho Guess i'll have to look it up

[@mmtruooao8377]

I love Spore!!! :D it's great having a group of nerds with the same old games that have influenced our interests

[@alphaamoeba]

@@mmtruooao8377 i discovered Spore back in 2013-2014 and only got to play it back in 2018 so not that old for me :p I was already kind of a geek when i discovered Spore

[@isaac10231]

Haha Spore was a great game.

[@ayseerensunkitay6603]

It is wonderful cosmos, thankful for your programme

[@JaybeePenaflor]

I have loved Biology ever since I was a kid. Although right now, I am a mathematician Biology--especially Microbiology--still holds a special place in my heart. Thanks for keeping that passion for microscopy burning.

[@Horchata4lyfe]

Taking a bio class this semester that had one of your first videos used as an assignment. The more we get through the course content, the more I find myself fascinated with your series. I now watch it on my large wall mounted TV until I fall asleep every day after work. Thank you for the hard work you guys have put into this series.

[@Russo-Delenda-Est]

This channel takes subject matter that I find quite alien and more than a little disturbing, and makes it both educational and somehow calming. I love a good microcosmos video or two before bed, helps put things in perspective.

[@LeoStaley]

I learned so much from this episode. I didn't know about the focus and depth of field issues.

[@georgec8859]

It's such a lovely thing you guys do. Love it always, good for bed, good for morning

[@mrmoisha287]

Thank you James

[@AdamPZahn]

I always watch on my 65" TV and it.is.AMAZING!!! Love this stuff!

[@daverei1211]

I’ve never heard hank green so chilled- very refreshing. Thank you I love these videos, very informative.

[@way-13]

Love you Hank, from crash course, vlogbrothers, hankschannel all the way to all the scishows! Thanks :)

[@scoopishere7881]

The paramecia in polarized light is GORGEOUS. Each one looks like a little galaxy. I love space-looking microbe clips.

[@kamon242]

Those shots of the jars (1:30 and 2:18 ) were wonderful, loved the resulting blend of light temperature, glass tints and samples. I was hoping to see a more detailed review of the microscopes though, specially the telescope that James built. After seeing the footage of James taking samples I thought that I would love to see a vlog style videos of samples recollection. First talking about were will the samples be taken and what to expect, then taking the first look at the microscope to see what was found and ending with how would it be stored and feed. Of course, if you're comfortable with shooting outside and being protagonist.

[@tigerroar6071]

if you guys could use 4K 60fps video with a high bit-rate, that would be awesome! I love this channel, and i want you guys to make more awesome videos like this.

[@Kazemahou]

This might not be possible but - what do microbes sound like? I love the music, absolutely! It just strikes me that however small these creatures are, they surely must create vibrations in their environment, perhaps even with their very bodies, perhaps even... signals to each other that they could feel, sense with their surface or internal structures? Do microbes use, well, sound? And if so, is it even remotely possible to capture this? You could do an astonishing show on such a thing - I have never seen such a thing ever! I would never want you to stop your wonderful soundtrack - it really makes the program. Please be assured of that. It is just that... this is a question I have never found answered, whether microorganisms produce, or even more of interest - use - sound, vibration, to interact with each other. Just a question, one which may not even be answerable - I am hard pressed to imagine anything sensitive enough to pick up such tiny signals amidst the noise of the world and likely the molecular crashing of brownian motion all about. But still... what if they can make calls to each other, through the viscous medium of water with their bodies?

[@Russo-Delenda-Est]

I am very interested in this question. I feel like many must at least be able to sense vibration, which is all sound really is, but to what extent? And do any use sound to communicate or "see"?

[@dejayrezme8617]

Haha interesting question! Maybe you could use something similar to a laser to pick up tiny vibrations. Or something like schlieren-photography to visualize pressure waves in the water? And maybe focus or polarize the light in a special way. Or maybe you could add some substance or tiny particles to visualize the sound / pressure waves. You would need a high speed camera with like 10 kiloherz framerate and lower resolution. You'd also need some kind of special computer program that converts this into sound.

[@christophbader3713]

I watch it through a projektor towards the wall. It is reaaaaally impressive everytime. Thank you for these experiences!!

[@darminonburg3248]

Your videos are enjoyed by so many. The dyes that bind. Thank you!

[@AlamSemenit]

Thank You for answering these!

[@Reth_Hard]

Special request: Can you show us organisms that normally lives on our body? I think that would be interesting. Thank you!

[@alexandrevaliquette3883]

2:45 The answer is very vague, just why??? It's like saying: I have two car. An old car that I've got for cheap and a new Honda Civic. The old rig might be low cost, but being an high end scope you've got on an astonishing deal. The new rig, the Motic BA310, can range from 1 300$ to 13 000$ it all depend what equipment you put on it. Why all this mystery? What people want to know is: can we get beautiful image with a China brand new 300$ scope?

[@Andreas-gh6is]

Is there a description how the cobbled-up microscope was cobbled up? I'm thinking of cobbling up something myself.

[@Humble452]

What a Huge Blessing You Are... Thank You!

[@edgeeffect]

As a massive fan of home-made microscopes (I've got 2 myself) can we see James' one please.

[@Zman44444]

I did a semester project in Micro Ecology, and I was good with plating the bacteria that I found in soil and water samples, but due to the second Covid shutdown I wasn’t able to work with any of the other microbes I wanted to work with. This is really helpful. I’m nearly graduating and I think imma invest some money into this. I think it’d be amazing to be able to regularly relax and play with microbes. Goals.

[@bearcub1811]

I love that upbeat music at the end. Heard it at the beginning of another one of your videos. It gets you pumped up, like you should when learning about microbes. These videos are so professional and well narrated. New favorite youtube channel!!

[@trishalish13]

That shelf at 1:32 is one of the most satisfying things I've ever seen.

[@brenj]

3:30 has to be the coolest shot I've ever seen 😮😦😧

[@marydegenkolb9603]

I never get tired of watching these little creatures. I love the water bears. And through your videos, I am introducing my grandchildren to this wonderful world in hopes one will want to study and learn more.

[@jean-jaycestrachan6198]

I love this guys voice and the way he talks so much

[@anjatrorup1612]

Awsome 😄 Self build microscope! Microbe stage in Spore! It doesnt get much nerdier than that 🤣 Still so many questions though. What light is used in wich videos. Polarized, phase contrast, dark field, bright field. Led/halogen. Always exceited for the next video.

[@FlyTriGuy]

Your explanations and camera work are fabulous. Thank you so very much

[@johnnyswatts]

Hi, guys, professional microscopist here. First, I love your videos. Thank you so much for sharing this marvellous world with a wider audience. With respect to magnification, the standards that communicate best to me are either using a scale bar (as others have suggested) or simply stating the objective magnification - if you must, add in the magnification of any teleconverters, but leave the eyepiece magnification out of it. But that's just my two cents. Above all, however, keep these delightful videos comming!

[@squa-squathedragon4124]

I’m so glad the addressed the spore thing

[@ryanwalker3453]

You have inspired me to get a compound microscope and a stereo microscope, both triocular, and an 18MP microscope camera! More info on how to become a master of microscopes like James would be awesome!

[@taborturtle]

I'm always watching your show on my 55 inch 4k television! And it looks so cool on TV! I absolutely love your channel guys! I'm almost 50 now but your show brings me back to my first and only microscope I got for Christmas when I was 13. I used to order microbes from a catalog and couldn't wait for that next shipment to arrive! My mom would very carefully walk the package to my room thinking she was going to get "bugs" on her. I miss those days... Thank you!

[@threeroundslv]

Wait. People don't go out of their way to watch this on a full sized tv? totally missing out. Jams and germs on instagram is for phones, this deserves more pixels

[@LastPrecent]

Dooh no wonder this channel is so good. Hank is its producer. That explains the quality channel.

[@JamesKing2understandinglife]

Thanks for the explanations. I love your channel. When I get some water into my mouth, when I go water skiing or wake boarding your videos do make me want to spit out as much as I can. I love your videos. Tardigrades are one of my favorite critters. Thank you. Good luck on your channel.

[@Jim-Stick]

I recently purchased your teams microscope. This video makes me incredibly excited for it.

[@Cloud7050]

Love the chill narration. I can come here to unwind.

[@arianadiego3709]

thanks for all the details 😀👍

[@bonbin6053]

Ngl spore is kinda the reason I love this channel… I played spore for yearssss

[@davidelliott3930]

Hank, this is your finest work. Thank you for the passion. I am so sorry for any previous Opie references.

[@mariehuynh]

AHHH that polarized light segment was really nice.

[@qnicks23434]

I'm looking your videos on a 70-inch flat screen on my wall, and this is awesome. Cannot leave comments though.

[@alicianoriegavelasco6114]

66" screen here, and it does look absolutely amazing.

[@keltusar8989]

I'm SUPER thankful for this channel. Not enough informative and fun micro Universe videos on you-tube. I'm looking forward to making this a hobby of mine as well, perhaps a career one day. Keep up the good work. Im proud to buy and wear your merch on the streets of Puerto Rico.

[@supahfly_uk]

I love watching these on my TV

[@seamusisstressed9721]

My boyfriend introduced me to this channel and I hope he sees this video... It's always okay to take a moment to breathe and calm down, especially the week before finals. I love you, honey!

[@carl94-h9h]

Maybe a shirt with a tardigrade on it? many people think that micro-organisms are simple and not important. This channel shows how complex and necessary these little guys (and gals) are.

[@spiercephotography]

Thank you for the behind the scenes look ! Everything's just so damn fascinating

[@Minecraftgnom]

When you already know what those numbers are for because you've watched since the first videos, in which it was explained. Feels nice to be one of the first in a group of more and more people! (Also congrats on surpassing 30000 already!)

[@hokuhikene]

This channel is just great. Never though I could be so fascinate by some small wigglys🦠 Ty for showing beauty on another scale

[@kyleeames8229]

You guys could edit in the scale bar on two of the edges of the screen with graduations without numbers next to them and next to to magnification, 1 graduation = 1 unitX, where unitX is the unit delimited by the graduations. It would help in visualizing the size of the microbe. Great videos by the way. They're relaxing and beautiful.

[@Gwyntog-21]

The best channel on KZbin bar none,thank you so much.

[@godamongtheman]

I love you guys so much! Hope you can do everything you want.

[@AdamsWorld84]

Best video yet!! thankyou for all the information!! I wonder what infrared video might show us with these amazing tiny creatures!! The infrared might help with contrasting the transparency of some of them and perhaps expose even more new findings!! Love this channel!

[@mahdikarimian6862]

Thanks for all the good videos. How do you track this organism? In one video, you say we track the bacteria day or days? how do you track them?

[@listoriamemeosia2126]

I have never been so excited about a show before!

[@TheINamith]

Con cada video logran despertar mí curiosidad...sigan así!!! Saludos desde Argentina

[@imaytag]

7:53 yes please do! Just replace the 200x with the scale bar. It only really needs to be a single unit not a full fledged bar with multiple units on it or anything.

[@jonathanbeeson8614]

Hank, James, and team-- absolutely awesome stuff. Thanks so much to you all !

[@ThatOneXander]

You're welcome Hank, I have to watch it on my TV! I love the microcosmos!

[@Coraxyn]

Possible unobtrusive scales bars could be in one or more corners, slightly larger than require to allow for scanning adjustments and bezel design. More videos please! :)

[@Lifers]

Beautiful, part of the goal of our channel is to also use microscopes to find species. Thank you for the valuable information.

[@sapelesteve]

Definitely one of the best channels on YT, hands down. Gotta love the amazing world of the microcosmos! Next up, the microcosmos of the salt water abyss................. :)

[@rafbuelens4908]

Best channel ever. I'm watching on a big oled flatscreen & it's amazing. Please keep making these videos!

[@adnad8458]

Wait, so the spore footage wasn't real footage, damn.