As of the writing of this newsletter we are all working to develop contingency plans for how to manage a period of uncertainty around the COVID-19 outbreak, and to reduce the transmission of the virus. Many companies and schools are creating flexible work and class schedules and instituting work-from-home policies. We want to support this initiative, and are offering our customers satellite licenses so that they can continue to analyze their FlowCam data from remote locations. Please fill out this form to request your 60-day license of VisualSpreadsheet.
Trade shows and conferences continue to change their schedules, many have cancelled or postponed. We're working on developing remote learning opportunities, as well as webinars and other forms of digital communication to keep in touch with our community of users.
In the meantime, please enjoy these updates and stories about FlowCam users around the globe.
Best Regards,
Cybele Brooks
Marketing Manager
Collage of the Quarter
Pictured above are plankton images collected from San Diego Harbor during February's 2020 Ocean Sciences Meeting. Can you spot: Chaecoteros, Nauplii, Akashiwo sanguinea, Coscinodiscus, Ceratium, Odontella, Ditylum?
Studying the Effects of Seasonal Water Differences on Microplankton in the Southeastern Arabian Sea
A research group with CSIR-National Institute of Oceanography in Kochi, India (http://www.nio.org), has used the FlowCam® to provide new evidence that temporal changes in the coastal waters of the Southeastern Arabian Sea (SEAS) cause size and structure changes in micro-plankton communities. Nutrient-rich coastal areas typically produce large-sized phytoplankton, and nutrient-depleted waters tend to produce smaller phytoplankton. These variations in plankton size can impact the food web, and therefore the economics of the area, where fishing is an important socioeconomic activity.
In February, Harry, Frances, and Savannah flew to the West Coast to attend the 2020 Ocean Sciences Meeting in San Diego. OSM is the flagship conference for the ocean sciences and the larger ocean-connected community and Fluid Imaging has been attending for the past 20 years. We are so happy to be part of the fabric of this community.
Above you'll see Team FlowCam - a small selection of the scientists at this meeting who study plankton with the FlowCam and came out to show their support for our technology. Thanks to everyone who made this conference an incredible success!
Answering Your FAQs About Analyzing Microcystis with the FlowCam
FlowCam customers frequently ask us how to optimize analysis of Microcystis, a globally pervasive colonial cyanobacteria (blue-green algae) which is seen in source water systems and recreational lakes. The colonies can range in size from a few microns up to several thousand microns in diameter. Customers are concerned about losing part of the sample or not being able to capture a quality image due to the colony’s size and density.
Boston University Students use FlowCam to Analyze Oyster Habitats in Narragansett Bay, Rhode Island
Nick Ray (Ph.D. Candidate) and Gretchen McCarthy (Senior) from the Boston University Marine Program (BUMP) came to visit our FlowCam lab in Scarborough this winter. Nick Ray had used a FlowCam in 2016 in Dr. Robinson Fulweiler's lab when he was a recipient of our Student Equipment Grant. Gretchen has worked in this lab since she was a freshman. She's planning to begin graduate school next year and will focus her studies on fisheries and aquaculture.
The FlowCam Cyano for Automated Analysis of Algae and Cyanobacteria
Based on proven FlowCam® technology, the FlowCam Cyano automatically identifies cyanobacteria from other algae and particles in aquatic samples. Using a patent-pending combination of excitation wavelength, phycocyanin fluorescence measurement, and image recognition software, the system automates what was previously done using manual microscopy. After differentiating the cyanobacteria from the other algae in the sample, VisualSpreadsheet and Advanced Classifier software can be used to further characterize specific types of algae found in the sample using 40+ physical parameters.
Due to popular demand, we are now selling instrument covers for your FlowCam 8100, 8400, or Cyano to protect from dust and other contaminants. Contact our customer service team for a quote.
Stephen Habeeb has recently joined our team as our Aftermarket Sales Associate. Steve can help you with new flow cells, new software licenses, and more.
Steve is a graduate of the University of Massachusetts, and worked in sales positions in the Boston area for many years. He is now a Maine resident, where he lives with his family and has spent the past several years as a Program Director for a large non-profit agency. In his free time, Steve is a musician, triathlete, and golfer. We're excited to have him join our Customer Care team.