17 replies to this topic

[dspdrew]

I just got these ultra-fine forceps and just had to share them. The tip is only .01 mm wide. It's amazing how precise they are at this size. I can literally pluck a hair out of an ant with these things. I should have no problem removing mites now.

 

 

[Miles]

Where'd you get them?

[dspdrew]

http://www.finescien...x?ProductId=350

 

What size did you guys use while dissecting ants at the Ants of the Southwest course?

[Miles]

I honestly don't remember. Probably a little bit larger than that. We only dissected large ants, and I don't remember having the points that precise.

 

Quite the price tag on that pair!

Edited by Miles, March 2 2015 - 9:39 PM.

[dspdrew]

Quite the price tag on that pair!

 

Tell me about it. Not as bad as that $720 pair they sell. I would hate to drop those.

[Ra3MaN]

My colleague dissects ticks to get their salivary glands, so she also has a pair. They are quite handy when working these with small creatures, best to use in conjunction with a dissecting microscope -which is seems you have  ... 

[dspdrew]

Wow, that sounds like a job for the .005 mm tip pair.

[AntGuySA]

Hi DspDrew 

 

you could pluck the hairs off an ant with those really amazing and $720 USD is crazy, that makes it R8444.30 ZAR that`s our currency here and way more then what some people earn 

still thanks for sharing this with us and as always awesome photo`s, Ra3MaN you said dissecting ticks as in the small red and big gray ones? may I ask what do they use it for?

 

Regards, AntGuySA

[Ra3MaN]

Sorry to invade your topic Dspdrew, 

 

 

 

Ra3MaN you said dissecting ticks as in the small red and big gray ones? may I ask what do they use it for?

 

Our Lab works on ticks known as Amblyomma herbraem, commonly known as the bont-legged tick, which transmits disease in animals the tick can swell up to 2.5cm when full of a blood meal. we use it for our research in the development of domestic animal vaccines. 

[AntGuySA]

Hi Ra3MaN 

 

Thanks and wow I had no clue that we done this stuff here in South Africa, I must be living under a rock   and yes sorry for the sidetracked question in your post DspDrew 

 

Regards, AntGuySA

[Foogoo]

How would you hold a presumably live, squirming ant still to pluck things off her?

[dspdrew]

How would you hold a presumably live, squirming ant still to pluck things off her?

 

Cool them down until they are moving very slowly. Even still, it will be tough.

[AntsAreUs]

 

How would you hold a presumably live, squirming ant still to pluck things off her?

 

Cool them down until they are moving very slowly. Even still, it will be tough.

 

I wouldn't have the patience to do that!

[Mathiacus]

I am going to design the "byformica ant cradle" and have terry make it on my dime for you to test Drew.

May i ask the max clearance you have under your microscope?

[dspdrew]

150 mm. What do you need that for?

[Mathiacus]

An elevated platform with multiple notches for "restraining belts" that you can add or subtract weight to. This will allow you to place your ant down on the bed then loop the belt (hair, fine cotton, steel cable or whatever ) over her to hold her still so you can safely (for you both) get to work. Interested?

[drtrmiller]

An elevated platform with multiple notches for "restraining belts" that you can add or subtract weight to. This will allow you to place your ant down on the bed then loop the belt (hair, fine cotton, steel cable or whatever ) over her to hold her still so you can safely (for you both) get to work. Interested?

 

Is there no lab product that would serve a similar purpose?  I doubt many live, wiggling things are manipulated under a scope at that magnification, as even a vibration would throw it out of focus.

 

However, if such a product doesn't exist, it might be a good idea for the universities and research labs that purchase my products.

Edited by drtrmiller, March 23 2015 - 9:55 PM.

[Mathiacus]

Oh! This is happening! Unless it has been done before.. but you know we can do it for next to nothing.. you said "lab product" i read "overly expensive doodad"

Edited by Mathiacus, March 23 2015 - 10:26 PM.