Features photographs that reveal the secrets of the micro world, from algae to atoms, dust to DNA and flies' eyes to flu viruses. This title offers practical information on buying and taking care of microscopes, and over 20 step-by-step projects for use with your own microscope.

A fabulous and revealing introduction to the secrets of the microscopic world.

Features amazing photos of what can be discovered through a microscope, from atoms to algae and dust to DNA. With over 20 step-by-step microscope activities including preparing slides and observing everyday objects, insects and even your own cheek cells. Includes practical information on buying, using and taking care of a microscope. With internet-links to websites with more amazing photos, projects and activities.

Chapters in this book include:
The micro world
- Larger than life
- Making things looks bigger
- Using a microscope
- Paper and print
- Fibres and fabrics
- Odds and ends
- Clues to the past
- Solving crimes

The human body
- On your head
- Bodywork
- Body cells
- Inside a body cell
- Inside a nucleus
- Bacteria
- Viruses
- Microscopes in medicine
- Microscopes and surgery

Plants and fungi
- Looking at plants
- Plant food
- How plants spread
- Water plants
- Fungi
- Food science

Creepy crawlies
- Insect watching
- Insects up close
- Watery minibeasts
- Unwelcome guests
- Body residents
- The plant eaters

Rocks to robots
- Sand and rocks
- Microfossils
- Crystals
- More crystals
- Testing metals
- Micromachines
- Nanotechnology
- A nano future?

Past and present
- Early microscopes
- The war on germs
- Microscopes today

Practical points
- Buying a microscope
- Equipment
- Advanced techniques