WHAT IS THE MICROSCOPE FOR? THE 6 MOST COMMON USES - SCIENCE - 2024

The microscope is used to observe very small objects, through lenses, viewfinders and light rays that bring the image closer or larger to a size observable to the human eye.

It is used mainly in the scientific field such as medicine, botany, forensic science, electronics, engineering, physics, etc.

The microscope is an instrument that allows the observer to view tiny structures on convenient scales for examination and analysis.

In this sense, it is one of the most important diagnostic tools in the areas related to bioanalysis and bacteriology.

The concept of image magnification through bottled water or glass was already known for 4000 years in civilizations such as the Greek, Roman, Chinese and Arabic. Glasses and monocles emerged between AD 1000 and 1300 based on this idea.

But it is around the 16th and 17th century when the telescope, the spyglass and the microscope were invented in Europe. Using several overlapping and aligned lenses, the image was perfectly enlarged or close to the wearer's eye.

These artifacts opened new dimensions in which the human being began to explore without limit.

Thanks to the microscope, the existence of cells, microorganisms, atoms and molecules was discovered and micro-electronics have been developed.

6 most common uses of the microscope

Although the function is basically the same in any field where it is used, the microscope is much more famous and characteristic in the laboratories of the following areas:

1.- Medicine and bioanalysis

In the area of ​​medicine, scientists have used this instrument since its invention. These professionals are able to observe and analyze microorganisms -such as viruses and bacteria-, learn how they work and study their effect on human health.

This allows for greater efficiency and accuracy in diagnosing diseases and their causes. In addition, preventive and corrective treatments and cures are developed.

With the microscope, samples of human tissues, fluids and organic waste are analyzed and studied to determine their properties and components.

With this instrument it is possible to determine whether or not the cells of a tissue are cancerous, it is possible to observe malaria parasites attacking red blood cells in a blood sample and it is also possible to see what type of microbes are present in a stool sample.

On the other hand, thanks to the microscope, in this case those with high magnification power (laser technology), new chemical substances have been developed that have served as the basis for medicines and drugs used in the fight against many diseases.

2.- Forensic Sciences

Much of the evidence collected at crime scenes is examined under the lens of a microscope. As in medicine, the analysis of tissues and fluids found at the scene (of any kind), can make a difference in the resolution of a case.

The microscopic study of the marks or striations of the bullets to relate them to a specific weapon is also common.

Likewise, remains of fibers (cloth, paper), hair and many other types of particles left on the scene are examined, no matter how tiny and insignificant they may seem.

Determining the cause of death of an individual is another one of the tasks where scientists use the microscope without skimping. In the same way, forensic anthropology examines tissues, bones and other types of remains to determine habits, customs and diseases.

The forensic area also includes the epidemiological study of the spread of diseases, where the microscope is very important to observe the behavior of bacteria and viruses in the different elements with which humans interact (air, water, food).

3.- Natural and earth sciences.

Both in botany, zoology and biology in general, the microscope is used as one of the instruments for the examination, study and analysis of samples. It is primarily used to observe samples at the cellular level.

The information on the composition and functioning of all living beings is in the structure of cells, germs and other microorganisms that interact with each other. This has mostly aided in new discoveries of very small species.

With the microscope, the health status of a particular ecosystem can be monitored, such as a lagoon, stream, the forest floor, or samples of glacial ice.

In that sense, it helps in the identification of species and determine the diversity of organisms in a region.

In geological studies, the microscope is also used to closely observe the composition of the soil and rocks.

The discovery of new minerals and metals in excavations has been possible with the microscopic monitoring of the extracted material.

4.- Materials engineering

In the process of making new and better materials for construction, packaging, clothing, etc., the microscope has been a crucial element.

With it, the experts achieve the experimentation and inspection of the basic shapes of the materials to be developed.

The demands of modern life and technology have demanded of these engineers the creation of increasingly complex products, and for very varied functions and objectives.

An example is the new nanomaterials that are being implemented in different industries.

5.- Mechanical engineering

The parts involved in modern machinery such as cars and robots have gotten smaller and smaller. The correct culmination of these objects would not be possible without the existence of the microscope.

Using high-powered microscopes, engineers are able to evaluate the tiniest parts and gears of a machine, and find microscopic faults or fractures.

6.- Physics

In the area of ​​atomic physics, the use of the microscope is essential and absolutely necessary. Without it, the elementary particles of the so-called microcosm, such as molecules and atoms, could not be observed individually.

The experimentation and manipulation of the elements at the atomic and subatomic level is possible thanks to laser microscopes, computerized ones or electron microscopes.

7.- Electronics

With the help of the microscope, great accuracy and precision have been achieved in the production of very small memory cards, chips and processors, capable of operating transmitters, cameras, microphones and headphones the size and width of an oatmeal flake.

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