The silicate framework of a diatom does not conduct electricity. For a scanning electron microscope image it would therefore have to be coated, which can result in details of the structure not being ...

Diatoms are unique phytoplankton in that they need silicic acid to produce silica cell walls. Under the microscope they look like beautiful glass jewellery boxes, but importantly, this dense, ...

Diatoms are a type of single-celled algae found all over the world. Considered a model organism, they’re a staple in labs studying ocean water quality. Indeed, they’re as ubiquitous in microbiology ...

Banner image: Diatoms, like this one seen under a microscope, can take on a wide range of shapes, from spheres to triangles and even starbursts. (Credit: Patrick Kociolek) When Patrick Kociolek was ...