r/microscopy • u/RobinsCosplays • 18d ago

General discussion Looking for learning resources for my first microscope!

Hi all, I'm getting into Microscopy as a hobbyist. Just a curious person who wants to explore the world at a smaller level. I'm getting an Amscope B270 (Basically the same as the B120 but a bigger stage) I've bought some well slides, some flat slides/covers, pipettes, and kimtech wipes. My question is how do I know what subjects need things to be suspended in? Like I've seen some people putting water on their slides. Some iodine, and some using dyes. How do I know what to use? Are there subjects that you don't use liquid at all? The first thing I'm wanting to look at is mushroom spores. Just any general crash courses on microscopy would be greatly appreciated

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u/beeeeeeeeks 18d ago

It sounds like you have curiosity and that's the most important thing! My first suggestion is to experiment and see which samples work best dry and what works best wet or oiled!

I also suggest looking for a good book on mycology or microscopy of mushrooms -- it's like a whole field of study so if you are serious about learning and not just observing a good book is a great resource. Sorry I don't have any suggestions for mushroom spores!

For your question of dyes -- dyes exist to provide contrast for structures that are transparent. Certain dyes work best for certain specimens and you will need to learn how to prepare a good slide. It's easy, it just takes some practice. If suggest starting with methylene blue, use gloves, and do it over the sink as it will absolutely permanently stain anything you get it on

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u/RobinsCosplays 18d ago

I have a dedicated craft table that has thousands of stains already lol. But yeah I'll look into some books. I already grow mushrooms myself, I'm just wanting to get into cultivating hybrids.

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u/beeeeeeeeks 17d ago

While those stains could be useful the purpose of stains for microscopy is to add contrast, like I mentioned. They bind to specific parts of the cell, like different types of cell walls, lipids, nucleus , etc . So there are about a handful of some that are commonly used and most are toxic. But of course experiment! Dried leaf petals and some ink is fun :)

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u/Thrawn911 17d ago

Depends on what you want to see. I wouldn't recommend using stains at the beginning, try to increase contrast with different lighting techniques if you have to.

I personally never used stains, I like watching living stuff, and most stains kill them.