Microscopy LIVE!

Bringing you real science in real time
Microscopy LIVE!

Electron microscope image of a bee wing

Join us online for an hour of real science in real time!
Microscopy LIVE! is a free interactive event that brings our electron microscopy lab to you, whether you’re in your living room, your classroom, or at your desk. Each session, we explore a different sample and let the audience decide what we focus on. You’ll be able to ask questions, see just what goes on in the laboratory, and even drive the microscope yourself from wherever you are! 
Microscopy LIVE! is held via Zoom and recorded so you can enjoy it in your own time, so make sure you register using the form on our website to get access and to stay up to date.
The next Microscopy LIVE! event will be held on Friday 3rd March 2023 at 11:00-12:00 GMT. Your hosts Dr Jen Mitchell and Francesca Willcocks will be joined by colleague Dr Tom O'Hanlon to delve into the world of materials science...
<p>False-colour SEM image of bay tree pollen collected during Microscopy LIVE!<br></p>

False-colour SEM image of bay tree pollen collected during Microscopy LIVE!

Microscopy LIVE! is open to everyone, no matter your experience with science or electron microscopy. These are friendly and informal events where no question is a stupid question. On top of the live event, each session of Microscopy LIVE! is recorded so you won't miss out if you can't attend, but make sure to register to get access to the summary booklet full of the images we collect as well as our prize quiz.
 
Check out our YouTube channel to watch our previous sessions!
 
Microscopy LIVE! is proudly partnered with JEOL UK Ltd. 

Microscopy LIVE! at Plymouth University's Science & Engineering Showcase

Following the fun we had last summer, Microscopy LIVE! is back for the 2023 Science & Engineering Showcase where we'll be introducing around 750 secondary school students to electron microscopy. Last year we analysed a moth left with us by our friends at Pollenize, but this time we'll be getting up close and personal with a mushroom, seeing just how many cubes can make up a salt crystal, and finding out what's inside a coffee bean. 
We'll also be available at the public session until 6pm, so come along and have a go at driving our electron microscope!
<p>Moth</p>
<p>Dartmoor Zoo</p>

Microscopy LIVE! at Dartmoor Zoo

In October 2022, we were lucky enough to invited to Dartmoor Zoo for two days of live electron microscopy with their staff and zoo visitors. Using our portable electron microscope, we analysed a wide range of animal products from parrot feathers to insect moults and had a great time seeing people fall in love with electron microscopy. This was a great experience for us and for everyone who came, and getting to analyse wolf hair next to the wolves it came from was extra special.
We hope to go back soon, but in the meantime check out our favourite images from Microscopy LIVE! (including our time at Dartmoor Zoo) below! 

Our Favourite Images from Microscopy LIVE!

  • Mushroom gills

  • Jungle Nymph (Dartmoor Zoo)

  • Mushroom hyphae

  • Phytoplankton

  • Coccolithophore and Diatoms

  • Dog hair

  • Lemon tree pollen

  • Horse hair

  • Crocus pollen

  • Paint brush

  • Wooden pencil

  • Cockroach (Dartmoor Zoo)

  • Dawn Redwood leaves

  • Rosemary leaf

  • Ice cream

  • Ice cream

  • Moth proboscis

  • Moth eye

  • Parrot Feather (Dartmoor Zoo)

  • Martian Meteorite

  • Vestan Meteorite

<p>Microscopy LIVE logos</p>