Why Science is Awesome, Part 2

So I found my zip disc from undergrad Developmental Biology class, and I currently have a computer with a zip drive (what are the odds?), so I decided to put up some pictures, since I think they are further evidence for science being AWESOME. Also, it's just plain fun to have a camera attached to the microscope.

First, we have some polytene chromosomes. These are found in Drosophila flies, the salivary glands of the larvae, to be precise. You have to get the squirmy little buggers, find their salivary glands (using sewing pins as surgical tools), remove them intact (they look rather like clear honeycombs), then dye them, smash them just right, and some other things. Anyway, the "polytene" means the chromosomes are larger than most normal ones, better for looking at under microscopes. Also, they are pretty much alwasy undergoing synapsis, so good for studying.


This is a developing zebra fish. The big circle in the middle is the yolk sac, providing nourishment for the little guy as he develops. When he actually starts to look a little more like a fish, he'll internalize it, until he comes out and starts looking for his own food. Another one is below, a little further along (don't you love the buggy eyes? It reminds me of some Disney characters).



So, that's it. Maybe I'll put the bug-eyed one on the Christmas cards this year...