Archeology and Water Biology
I have education in ecology and water biology. In addition to this I do work in archeology. I use my microscope equipment for different work and studies. Contact me for collaborations or studies. More of my work can be found on my YouTube channel.
Viking-age Bronze brooches from around year 800 to 1000 AD. A brooch is a piece of jewelry held on to clothing by clasps or a pin. Both men and women in the Viking-age wore jewelry and brooches, Pins and brooches were not just a fashion accessory, but essential for holding clothes in place. When metals that contain copper reacts with oxygen, it oxidizes and generates a greenish-blue layer that protects the metal from further corrosion In the recording you see microscope pictures and recordings of oxidation in copper and particles from the surface of the brooches. These artifacts are legally obtained and part of a private collection.
Diatoms are microscopic plants that live in waters all around the world. Through photosynthesis, they actually produce up to 40% of the oxygen on earth! This makes them an important part of all animal and human life. In addition to this they are a crucial link in the food chain for all living creatures in water. Their transparent shell is made up of the same elements as glass. As it does not decompose, the shells can be preserved for tens of millions of years. This makes it possible for scientists to study diatoms to receive knowledge about the earths environmental conditions. Both in the past and present. Over 100,000 species of diatoms have been discovered and new types are found every year.
As spring arrives, Waterbears start coming back to life from hibernation, a hibernation that can last for decades if necessary. Tinier than a pinhead, with 8 stubby legs, they are truly an interesting creature to study. There are over 1000 known species of waterbears, and about 20 new species are discovered every year. Many are visually differently built, while others only have small signs that can determine the species. Some of the ways to differentiate the species are to study their feet or claws. They are spread all around the world, from the cold arctic to the dry deserts.
These are naturally fallen snow crystals collected and photographed through a microscope here in Norway. The shapes and patterns of snow crystals are endless, but most of them carry the basic hexagon shape with six sides or 'arms' and have symmetrical patterns. The reason for this comes from the arrangements of their water molecules and the molecule angles, resulting in six sides that the crystal can grow out of. Some crystals show simple structures like a single hexagon plate without arms, while others can be incredibly complex and symmetrical. Some can also be unusual and non-symmetrical. It all depends on weather conditions, temperature, wind, humidity, and other factors like damaged sides or crystals fusing together while developing.
What exactly is pollen? In this video, we've collected cedar pollen. The pollen grains have a hard coat for protection and contain the nucleus and DNA structure of the plant. Pollen is made from the male plants and trees in order to fertilize a female plant or tree. The pollen grains are actually whole male organisms that will produce sperm cells to fertilize the females. It is the plant's way of reproducing, not too unlike the reproductive process of humans and animals. Flowers often use bright colors and scents to attract insects with the single purpose of getting help with transferring pollen. When the female plant is fertilized by the pollen, they produce a seed or a fruit (which are basically their offspring.)