10/30/97

Thanks for the rapid and, as always, very informative responses

to my question about collapsing/exploding fish eggs as they

are dried for SEM viewing. Among the suggestions were:



1. Use OTOTO methods or other non-coating techniques to 'strengthen'

the sample and reduce the possibility of shrinkage.



2. Puncture or cut the eggs in half to allow passage of fluids (not

really feasible in my case, but no doubt useful for others).



3. Try a cryo-stage examination.



4. Try processing/drying from HMDS.



5. Do not allow ANY exposure to air during the handling of the eggs.



6. Keep the sample from being directlly exposed to the incoming

CO2, ie invert the coverships in the dryer.



OTOTO and HMDS seem the next routes for me to go. THanks again

to those who responded.



Carolyn J. Emerson

email: cemerson@plato.ucs.mun.ca



Biology Department

Memorial University

St. John's, NF A1B 3X9

Tel: (709) 737-7515

Fax: (709) 737-3018

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