Colors are fascinating focal points for microscopy. It is interesting to compare and contrast the color of an object on the macroscopic scale with what is seen under the Foldscope 2.0. For example, can you tell which fruit these samples came from?

Figure 1. Fruit skins viewed under a Foldscope 2.0 at 140X magnification plus 5X digital zoom on phone

(Photo Credit: Holly A. Stuart)

Macroscopic Color

These are the two fruits I used for this blog. One is a variety of tomato called “Two Tasty.” I love the way they look on the vine - the contrast of the reddish orange against the black streaks is beautiful and striking! The second fruit I observed were cherries. Depending on the lighting, the color of these fruits ranges from dark red to almost black.

Figure 2. “Two Tasty” tomato and cherries

(Photo Credit: Holly A. Stuart)

Microscopic Colors

Have you made your guess as to which fruits were shown in Figure 1? I was really surprised by how different the colors appeared under the microscope.

While the Two Tasty tomato looks orange and black to the naked eye, the micro-scale reveals that it is actually a purple color making those dark markings.

Figure 3. Two Tasty tomato skin viewed under a Foldscope 2.0 at 140X magnification plus 5X zoom on phone

(Photo Credit: Holly A. Stuart)

The cherry skin also made me do a double take. Considering the dark color of the cherry, I was expecting to see solid red plant cells under the Foldscope. Instead, the microscopic scale showed that there is a lot of yellow and orange color hiding in there!

Figure 4. Cherry skin viewed under a Foldscope 2.0 at 140X magnification plus 5X zoom on phone

(Photo Credit: Holly A. Stuart)

Have you looked at fruits under a Foldscope 2.0? What invisible colors have you discovered? Share your microscopic images and thoughts on the Microcosmos. Be sure to tag us on social media when you post the results of your explorations, creations, and discoveries! We love to see how Foldscopers around the world are using their Foldscopes in new and innovative ways!

Figure 5. Two Tasty tomato skin viewed under a Foldscope 2.0 at 340X magnification plus 5X zoom on phone

(Photo Credit: Holly A. Stuart)

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