We constructed a tardigrade trap, and it was successful.

Capturing the tiny titans of the microscopic world, tardigrades, is no small feat. But with a bit of moss, water, and a pinch of patience, our master of microscopes James managed to wrangle in a whopping 196 tardigrades on his first try. The Bman funnel technique proved to be the ultimate tardigrade trap, revealing a whole world of variety, from giants to the tiniest of the tiny. But remember, oxygen is key to keeping these micro marvels alive, so don’t keep them waiting too long! 🌟🔬

We Built A Tardigrade Trap, And It Worked 🪲

Introduction

In this episode, amateur microscopists James set out to try a new method to gather tardigrades, those legendary icons of the microscopic world. Using a simple method called the bman funnel, he was able to capture an astounding number of tardigrades, and the results were nothing short of incredible.

The Bman Funnel: A Powerful Tool for Gathering Microscopic Organisms 🕸️

This technique, first described in 1917 by Dutch physician Gustaf van Nedervelde, is a powerful tool that has been used by nematologists to gather their research subjects. The basic setup involves a simple collection of moss and soil on a mesh fabric in a funnel, and the results can be quite astounding, as was the case for James when he tried to gather tardigrades using this method.

The Mechanics of the Bman Funnel 🌿

The bman funnel works by releasing the worms from the soil when water is added to the setup. The trapped organisms settle at the bottom of the funnel, allowing for easy observation and study. This simple yet effective method has stood the test of time, proving to be a lasting tool for nematologists and microscopists alike in the pursuit of understanding the microscopic world.

Observing Tardigrades in Their Natural Habitat 🌊

The day after setting up his tardigrade trapping apparatus, James was amazed by what he found—196 tardigrades on his very first slide. The sheer variety and behavior of the tardigrades were nothing short of fascinating, demonstrating the power of the bman funnel as a tool for capturing these iconic microscopic creatures.

Ensuring the Survival of Tardigrades 🦠

One major concern that James had to keep in mind when using the bman funnel was oxygen. As the tardigrades emerged from their resting state, they required a balance of fresh water and oxygen to survive. Ensuring that the water’s oxygen concentration is maintained is crucial in preserving these fascinating organisms.

Conclusion

The bman funnel has proven to be a powerful and effective tool for capturing microscopic organisms, from worms to tardigrades. By making some creative adaptations and utilizing the right materials, microscopists can explore the unseen world that surrounds us and share their findings with the community.

FAQ

1. What materials can be used for the mesh in the bman funnel?

   • Tea bags, a pair of tights, or cheesecloth are commonly used materials for the mesh in the bman funnel.

2. How long should one wait before collecting organisms from the bman funnel?

   • It is advised to avoid waiting longer than a day to collect organisms, as oxygen levels can rapidly change at the bottom of the funnel.

3. What are some ways to ensure the survival of tardigrades captured using the bman funnel?

   • Providing fresh water and adding algae from pond samples can aid in preserving the tardigrades captured using the bman funnel.

4. What is the significance of the bman funnel in the study of microscopic organisms?

   • The bman funnel provides a simple yet effective method for capturing and studying a wide variety of microscopic organisms, contributing to a better understanding of the unseen world around us.

Thank you for joining us on this journey to explore the microscopic world. Don’t forget to share your findings with us and stay curious!