Faculty in the Lab (tie): Creeping it Real

Photography by Jennifer Krill, Ph.D., University School Assistant Professor, FAU Lab Schools,
College of Education

False-colored scanning electron microscope (SEM) image of a spider. SEM imaging uses a beam of electrons to visualize specimens and can be difficult to capture images when using biological specimens that are wet and non-conductive. Traditional preparation methods include critical point drying which can damage fragile specimens like insects and arachnids. A solution (literally a solution) to this is NanoSuit, a thin layer added to the SEM specimen prior to imaging. This technology is conductive and conceals the moisture in a vacuum environment to permit imaging of specimens without drying and sputter coating. The NanoSuit solution was applied to this spider and imaged using a JEOL Neoscope 6000 Plus SEM.