Flow Imaging Microscopy Blog

What should my fluorescence settings be for phytoplankton analysis? What should my context settings be for protein analysis? How do I use file processing mode? 

We've compiled VisualSpreadsheet^® How-To Videos on our YouTube channel that serve as guides on suggested settings, and instructions on useful functions, including: 

• Quick Start Guide: Context Settings for Aquatic Samples and Proteinaceous Samples
• Quick Start Guide: Fluorescence Settings for Phytoplankton Analysis
• How to Use File Processing Mode for Phytoplankton and Proteinaceous Samples
  

Our flagship product released in 2002, the FlowCam VS imaging flow cytometer, could optionally be outfitted with a 2X objective which touted a maximum particle analysis size of 1 mm. When the FlowCam 8000 Series was released in 2016 and replaced the FlowCam VS, a 2X objective was not available and maximum particle analysis size was reduced down to 600 µm. 

How do you change an FOV flow cell? Clean an FOV flow cell? Change an objective on the FlowCam?

We've compiled FlowCam How To Videos on our YouTube channel that instruct you on basic FlowCam operations and maintenance, including:

• How to Install and Remove an FOV Flow Cell in FlowCam 8000
• How to Autofocus Your FlowCam 8000
• How to Change an Objective 
• How to Clean an FOV Flow Cell Using a Luer Lock Syringe

Every version of VisualSpreadsheet^® is equipped with File Processing Mode, a unique tool offered by the FlowCam^®. It offers an efficient and cost-effective way to optimize your particle analysis.  By using File Processing Mode, you can reduce your effort by ensuring your valuable sample is captured correctly the first time.

Our ability to predict and prevent harmful algal blooms is directly related to our ability to study and understand cyanobacteria.  Numerous studies have used the FlowCam to rapidly enumerate, image, and aid in the identification of harmful algae present in water samples to better track, trend and predict blooms. We've collected our favorite studies on cyanobacteria into one document that features synopses of the following papers:

The FlowCam was born from a dream to develop a faster flow cytometer for marine phytoplankton research. In the mid-1990s, the best method for analyzing phytoplankton was using optical microscopy or a slow flow cytometer that could only analyze a limited size range. By 1997, a few scientists from Bigelow Laboratory for Ocean Science had developed the first FlowCam prototype and debuted it at the ASLO Aquatic Sciences Meeting in Santa Fe, New Mexico. Today, 22 years later, the FlowCam has been used in over 230 aquatic science peer-reviewed publications. We've summarized our Top 4 recently published FlowCam for Marine Research Papers into one document.  The following papers are featured:

We welcome Stefanie Hebert as our new Accounting Assistant! 

Stefanie joins us with 8 years of experience in the finance department of a non-profit. There she mastered contract and budget development for the organization's many programs.

In her free time she enjoys painting, learning new DIY home improvements, and hanging out with her children. 

We're excited to have Stefanie on our team. Welcome, Stef! 

March 2019 — Harmful algal bloom (HAB) season is fast approaching. The City of Wichita Falls, Texas, however, has developed an integrated approach to monitor HABs that has prevented taste and odor events for the past two years.  Featured in the December 2018 issue of OpFlow, and now in the Jan/Feb 2019 issue of Texas H2O, the City of Wichita Falls shares its integrated approach to answer the following questions: 

Women represent half of the world's population however are still underrepresented in STEM fields. Less than 30% of researchers worldwide are women and only around 30% of all female students select STEM-related fields in higher education. As part of a world-wide effort to promote the full and equal participation of women in the sciences, the United Nations recognizes February 11 as International Women and Girls in Science Day. 

In December 2018, U.S. Congress submitted a letter signed by 61 Congressional Members to the Office of Management and Budget to lobby for increased funding to support harmful algal bloom (HAB) research in 2020.

HAB events are widespread and their effects are diverse. Coordinated studies released in 2017 by the Environmental Protection Agency, U.S. Geological Survey, and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration showed that 39% of all lakes nationwide contained toxic algae, and cyanobacteria-produced toxins were present in 78% of those lakes at some point during the year. Additionally, 40% more HAB events were reported in 2018 than in 2017.