New Scanning Electron Microscope at the American Museum of Natural History

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The scientific staff of the American Museum of Natural History needs a scanning electron microscope (SEM) to replace an older model which is frequently inoperative and does not meet all the needs of the researchers. The instrument is in constant use during most of the year and is usually booked one month in advance. This back-up stems from heavy usage and the need for frequent repair. The new instrument will provide improved image resolution; the ability to study a greater variety of specimens; enhanced picture quality; and a greater variety of photographic and electronic recording techniques. The new instrument will also give researchers the ability to study and identify chemical distributions in the specimens they examine, giving them deeper understanding of the nature of those specimens. Many projects are planned for the new instrument including studies of the symbionts of giant amoebae (foraminifera); systematics of ammonites, moss animals (bryozoa), pomace fies, fungus gnats, mice, rats, and termites; fish dentines; living and fossil sharks; tiny spiders; and jade and asbestos mineralogy.