This blog atempts to introduce diatom morphology, by describing the key visible characteristics that experts use to describe the diatom #frustule
🔬 🔬🤓🤓
percs.co.uk/blog/describ...
🔬 🔬🤓🤓
percs.co.uk/blog/describ...
Describing diatoms
Perhaps the hardest part of becoming a micropalaeontologist is learning to identify the micro-critters you study — and that starts with morphology. Tom introduces the key features of diatoms: the…
percs.co.uk
November 2, 2026 at 4:37 PM
This blog atempts to introduce diatom morphology, by describing the key visible characteristics that experts use to describe the diatom #frustule
🔬 🔬🤓🤓
percs.co.uk/blog/describ...
🔬 🔬🤓🤓
percs.co.uk/blog/describ...
These diatom cells are dead, and have been cleaned, so we can see the beauty of the frustule, which is the silica-rich outer wall of the cell. Some of these images are stacks.
#marineplankton 🔬🦑
#marineplankton 🔬🦑
October 15, 2026 at 6:34 PM
These diatom cells are dead, and have been cleaned, so we can see the beauty of the frustule, which is the silica-rich outer wall of the cell. Some of these images are stacks.
#marineplankton 🔬🦑
#marineplankton 🔬🦑
A bacterium breaking through a diatom’s glass-like shell? 🦠🔓
PriME work shows how Alteromonas macleodii breaches the frustule of Thalassiosira rotula, triggering cell death and reshaping ocean carbon cycling 🌊
Congratulations to Isobel Short and team👏!
doi.org/10.1038/s414...
PriME work shows how Alteromonas macleodii breaches the frustule of Thalassiosira rotula, triggering cell death and reshaping ocean carbon cycling 🌊
Congratulations to Isobel Short and team👏!
doi.org/10.1038/s414...
Alteromonas macleodii breaches the diatom frustule triggering protoplast emergence and programmed necrosis-like death in Thalassiosira rotula - Nature Communications
In this study, the authors show that the marine bacterium Alteromonas macleodii exploits the diatom Thalassiosira rotula by triggering programmed necrosis-like cell death. By forcing cells out of thei...
doi.org
October 8, 2026 at 12:36 PM
A bacterium breaking through a diatom’s glass-like shell? 🦠🔓
PriME work shows how Alteromonas macleodii breaches the frustule of Thalassiosira rotula, triggering cell death and reshaping ocean carbon cycling 🌊
Congratulations to Isobel Short and team👏!
doi.org/10.1038/s414...
PriME work shows how Alteromonas macleodii breaches the frustule of Thalassiosira rotula, triggering cell death and reshaping ocean carbon cycling 🌊
Congratulations to Isobel Short and team👏!
doi.org/10.1038/s414...
Alteromonas macleodii breaches the diatom frustule triggering protoplast emergence and programmed necrosis-like death in Thalassiosira rotula www.nature.com/articles/s41... #jcampubs
Alteromonas macleodii breaches the diatom frustule triggering protoplast emergence and programmed necrosis-like death in Thalassiosira rotula - Nature Communications
In this study, the authors show that the marine bacterium Alteromonas macleodii exploits the diatom Thalassiosira rotula by triggering programmed necrosis-like cell death. By forcing cells out of thei...
www.nature.com
September 28, 2026 at 3:05 PM
Alteromonas macleodii breaches the diatom frustule triggering protoplast emergence and programmed necrosis-like death in Thalassiosira rotula www.nature.com/articles/s41... #jcampubs
Alteromonas macleodii breaches the diatom frustule triggering protoplast emergence and programmed necrosis-like death in Thalassiosira rotula | Nature Communications
Alteromonas macleodii breaches the diatom frustule triggering protoplast emergence and programmed necrosis-like death in Thalassiosira rotula - Nature Communications
In this study, the authors show that the marine bacterium Alteromonas macleodii exploits the diatom Thalassiosira rotula by triggering programmed necrosis-like cell death. By forcing cells out of their silica shells and lysing them, this interaction may affect ocean carbon cycling.
www.nature.com
September 27, 2026 at 10:16 AM
Alteromonas macleodii breaches the diatom frustule triggering protoplast emergence and programmed necrosis-like death in Thalassiosira rotula | Nature Communications
I love how this pic of toe pouches on the back cover of the first issue of Purl magazine looks like a micrograph of diatoms ( _Navicula_ sp.). I worked on diatoms for my M.Sc.
Two of my most intense nerd loves crossing paths.
🧶🔬🦠 (There's no diatom or any phytoplankton emoji, unfortunately)
Two of my most intense nerd loves crossing paths.
🧶🔬🦠 (There's no diatom or any phytoplankton emoji, unfortunately)
August 29, 2026 at 7:47 PM
I love how this pic of toe pouches on the back cover of the first issue of Purl magazine looks like a micrograph of diatoms ( _Navicula_ sp.). I worked on diatoms for my M.Sc.
Two of my most intense nerd loves crossing paths.
🧶🔬🦠 (There's no diatom or any phytoplankton emoji, unfortunately)
Two of my most intense nerd loves crossing paths.
🧶🔬🦠 (There's no diatom or any phytoplankton emoji, unfortunately)
hmm so many!
Petrichor
Yogurt ("the word that tastes like it sounds" - George Carlin)
Any word ending in "-ule" : globule, frustule, spicule...
Russian swear: "Tchort!"
Dutch swear: "Godverdomme!"
Autochthonous
Surf (sounds like itself)
Shore (similarly, sounds like waves on a beach)
Petrichor
Yogurt ("the word that tastes like it sounds" - George Carlin)
Any word ending in "-ule" : globule, frustule, spicule...
Russian swear: "Tchort!"
Dutch swear: "Godverdomme!"
Autochthonous
Surf (sounds like itself)
Shore (similarly, sounds like waves on a beach)
September 13, 2024 at 5:23 PM
hmm so many!
Petrichor
Yogurt ("the word that tastes like it sounds" - George Carlin)
Any word ending in "-ule" : globule, frustule, spicule...
Russian swear: "Tchort!"
Dutch swear: "Godverdomme!"
Autochthonous
Surf (sounds like itself)
Shore (similarly, sounds like waves on a beach)
Petrichor
Yogurt ("the word that tastes like it sounds" - George Carlin)
Any word ending in "-ule" : globule, frustule, spicule...
Russian swear: "Tchort!"
Dutch swear: "Godverdomme!"
Autochthonous
Surf (sounds like itself)
Shore (similarly, sounds like waves on a beach)
à propos du tout aussi perché frustule extraterrestre de Nalin Chandra Wickramasinghe, ici cortecs.org/tag/pansperm...)
Et Loeb a déclaré en 2024 que de toute façon, le Messie viendra, et de l'espace.
Et Loeb a déclaré en 2024 que de toute façon, le Messie viendra, et de l'espace.
October 8, 2025 at 2:04 PM
à propos du tout aussi perché frustule extraterrestre de Nalin Chandra Wickramasinghe, ici cortecs.org/tag/pansperm...)
Et Loeb a déclaré en 2024 que de toute façon, le Messie viendra, et de l'espace.
Et Loeb a déclaré en 2024 que de toute façon, le Messie viendra, et de l'espace.
look at that beautiful frustule
June 28, 2025 at 12:40 AM
look at that beautiful frustule
However, one species of diatom differed significantly in its isotopic offset between biomass and diatom-bound N. Its N:Si uptake and frustule nitrogen content also differed from other species, suggesting a possible influence of silica acquisition on sedimentary diatom-bound N isotope signatures
February 19, 2025 at 6:32 PM
However, one species of diatom differed significantly in its isotopic offset between biomass and diatom-bound N. Its N:Si uptake and frustule nitrogen content also differed from other species, suggesting a possible influence of silica acquisition on sedimentary diatom-bound N isotope signatures
Decoupling between diatom frustule-bound and biomass nitrogen isotope signatures is modulated by batch culture and species effects #stableisotopes www.sciencedirect.com/science/arti...
www.sciencedirect.com
August 2, 2026 at 6:52 AM
Decoupling between diatom frustule-bound and biomass nitrogen isotope signatures is modulated by batch culture and species effects #stableisotopes www.sciencedirect.com/science/arti...
A diatom can build a patterned silica shell from inside a single cell. The live question is how chemistry, membranes, and silica deposition control the shape of that tiny frustule. Tiny cell, real material science. #Diatoms #Microscopy
June 14, 2026 at 4:35 PM
A diatom can build a patterned silica shell from inside a single cell. The live question is how chemistry, membranes, and silica deposition control the shape of that tiny frustule. Tiny cell, real material science. #Diatoms #Microscopy
Continuing the Comparison of the Cosmos - Near & Far
same vibe
same vibe
November 30, 2024 at 4:43 PM
Continuing the Comparison of the Cosmos - Near & Far
same vibe
same vibe
🔬In this new paper, the authors show that curvature-corrected SEM morphometrics, paired with hydrated/dehydrated imaging, offer a reliable quantitative framework for diatom frustule pore-size assessment.
February 27, 2026 at 10:57 AM
🔬In this new paper, the authors show that curvature-corrected SEM morphometrics, paired with hydrated/dehydrated imaging, offer a reliable quantitative framework for diatom frustule pore-size assessment.
December 10, 2024 at 10:22 PM
I’ve never seen such ‘X’ shaped Amphitetras antediluviana diatom before! The ones I’ve previously come across have been quite boxy. This frustule is so lovely!
#marineplankton #diatoms 🦑
#marineplankton #diatoms 🦑
April 29, 2026 at 7:08 PM
I’ve never seen such ‘X’ shaped Amphitetras antediluviana diatom before! The ones I’ve previously come across have been quite boxy. This frustule is so lovely!
#marineplankton #diatoms 🦑
#marineplankton #diatoms 🦑
A few days ago I posted a photo of the diatom Auliscus sculptus. I found this little frustule of the same species in my sample this week, and I thought it was a good opportunity to show you its beautiful adornment. 🦑 #plankton
February 27, 2025 at 6:19 PM
A few days ago I posted a photo of the diatom Auliscus sculptus. I found this little frustule of the same species in my sample this week, and I thought it was a good opportunity to show you its beautiful adornment. 🦑 #plankton
It have a little channel called a raphe down the centre of its shell (the frustule) that secretes mucus that helps its slip and slide along. The actual movement I think is to do with ions and electrons but I can’t remember the exact science behind it
January 15, 2025 at 1:25 PM
It have a little channel called a raphe down the centre of its shell (the frustule) that secretes mucus that helps its slip and slide along. The actual movement I think is to do with ions and electrons but I can’t remember the exact science behind it
A timelapse of some flagellates partying in a diatom (Trieres chinensis) frustule. Are we witnessing some binary fission too? That’s when a flagellate splits itself (and all the cell gubbins) in two - asexual reproduction! These guys know how to celebrate the new year in style! 🦑 #protistsonsky
January 3, 2025 at 10:06 AM
A timelapse of some flagellates partying in a diatom (Trieres chinensis) frustule. Are we witnessing some binary fission too? That’s when a flagellate splits itself (and all the cell gubbins) in two - asexual reproduction! These guys know how to celebrate the new year in style! 🦑 #protistsonsky
These little #flagellates were having a whale of a time in this diatom frustule! I know nothing about flagellates - it’s on my list of ‘things to learn about’ (the list is very long!). This footage is real time. 🦑
November 29, 2024 at 8:32 AM
These little #flagellates were having a whale of a time in this diatom frustule! I know nothing about flagellates - it’s on my list of ‘things to learn about’ (the list is very long!). This footage is real time. 🦑
Last day to register for the 2026 Isotopes in Biogenic Silica (IBiS) Meeting! All biogenic silica geochemistry welcome - Si, O, N, B, whatever floats your frustule. A friendly get-together to talk and learn about all things #silica in the great, fun city of Bristol! www.ibis2026.org #isotopes
IBiS 2026
It is our pleasure to announce the 12th Isotopes in Biogenic Silica (IBiS) meeting to be held at in Bristol, UK from the 30th of March to the 1st of April 2026. The meeting will bring together researc...
www.ibis2026.org
February 13, 2026 at 2:37 PM
Last day to register for the 2026 Isotopes in Biogenic Silica (IBiS) Meeting! All biogenic silica geochemistry welcome - Si, O, N, B, whatever floats your frustule. A friendly get-together to talk and learn about all things #silica in the great, fun city of Bristol! www.ibis2026.org #isotopes
I consider diatoms to be among the most beautiful organisms. a great source of inspiration both visually and biologically.
March 28, 2025 at 12:26 PM
I consider diatoms to be among the most beautiful organisms. a great source of inspiration both visually and biologically.
Study Uncovers Technologically Appealing Trick Used By Microalgae To Manipulate Light
Sunday, 27 July 2025, 5:37 pmPress Release: Skoltech Colored microscopy images of the frustule (protective shell) of a diatom algae specimen of the species Coscinodiscus oculus-iridis. Credit: Sergey Dyakov et…
Sunday, 27 July 2025, 5:37 pmPress Release: Skoltech Colored microscopy images of the frustule (protective shell) of a diatom algae specimen of the species Coscinodiscus oculus-iridis. Credit: Sergey Dyakov et…
Study Uncovers Technologically Appealing Trick Used By Microalgae To Manipulate Light
Sunday, 27 July 2025, 5:37 pmPress Release: Skoltech Colored microscopy images of the frustule (protective shell) of a diatom algae specimen of the species Coscinodiscus oculus-iridis. Credit: Sergey Dyakov et al./Optica Skoltech researchers and their colleagues have uncovered an intricate light manipulation mechanism likely used by microscopic algae to boost photosynthesis. By studying the interaction of light with the elaborately patterned silicon dioxide shells…
diary.nz
July 28, 2025 at 2:08 AM
Study Uncovers Technologically Appealing Trick Used By Microalgae To Manipulate Light
Sunday, 27 July 2025, 5:37 pmPress Release: Skoltech Colored microscopy images of the frustule (protective shell) of a diatom algae specimen of the species Coscinodiscus oculus-iridis. Credit: Sergey Dyakov et…
Sunday, 27 July 2025, 5:37 pmPress Release: Skoltech Colored microscopy images of the frustule (protective shell) of a diatom algae specimen of the species Coscinodiscus oculus-iridis. Credit: Sergey Dyakov et…
