Chapter 470: Chapter 265: An Impossible Idea? Bai Mo Makes It Happen!
After signing the documents, Bai Mo returned to the laboratory, greeted all the students and teachers with a smile, and then went to the machine to begin his explanation anew.
Shunfeng Ear hopped onto the table, holding the computer for the master, dressed in a black sweater, with his round belly sticking out, taking on the role of a teaching assistant.
He already has a plan—next time when there’s a similar occasion, he’ll ask Fang Xiaoyu to prepare a white coat for him, so he can match the master’s outfit, making it more official.
"There aren’t many chairs in the lab, so everyone will have to stand and listen for a while; there’s an empty classroom next door with tables and chairs, which will be open to everyone soon.
"Since there are some undergraduate students present, let’s start from the basics..."
Bai Mo didn’t care much for formalities; he stood here and began his lecture.
He was already quite familiar with the principles and operating standards of the cryo-electron microscope. After the lecture, he planned to use Divine Sense to carefully explore the process of this machine’s operation to see if he could learn more, aiding the solidification of a container for Plant Neurology.
Some students had prepared in advance; some had prepared but still didn’t understand. They now widened their eyes and perked up their ears, listening intently to the lecture.
The professors and researchers were also very attentive, with their hands folded behind them, listening to Bai Mo even if they already understood.
"...The cones in our human eyes are the smallest visual perception unit.
"But in the micro-world, these cones are actually quite large! This leads to the fact that we cannot see cells, intracellular structures, molecules, or atoms with the naked eye.
"The cryo-electron microscope is the tool that helps us see molecular structures.
"Its principle is straightforward.
"Firstly, let the molecules to be observed spread into a thin layer, then freeze them so they don’t move.
"Then, bombard this layer with an electron beam, leaving projections on the film under the sample.
"Finally, use computer assistance to combine these projections into a three-dimensional model.
"For instance, if you need to observe the physique of dancing aunties in the square, you can’t look directly or it’ll hurt your eyes..."
Laughter erupted in the laboratory.
"...You need to use a spotlight to project the aunties’ physique onto a white wall and then deduce their physiques based on the projection shapes. This step is like using an electron beam to project the molecular forms onto the film.
"But if it’s a bunch of aunties freely dancing, chaotically changing formations, their shadows will overlap and be messy, making it impossible to deduce their physiques. We need to have the aunties line up, remain still, and then proceed with the projection to obtain clearer, more valuable projections.
"Observing molecular structures is the same.
"Making them distribute in a single layer prevents overlapping projections.
"Freezing them in low-temperature water keeps them from moving..."
Everyone nodded; Bai Mo’s explanation was indeed simple and clear, understandable even without a biochemical experimental background.
After explaining the principle, Bai Mo went to the cabinet to fetch the equipment, holding it as he continued explaining the operation procedures and precautions.
"We will use solution and copper mesh..."
At this point, most people were wide-eyed!
The operation process is what they are most concerned about!
Only Huang Sitong seemed drowsy, starting to zone out.
"...After entering the sample preparation instrument, the water on the copper mesh will be rapidly frozen, unable to form crystals, turning into a glassy state..."
Bai Mo continued his lecture while Shunfeng Ear, the fox disciple teaching assistant beside him, squinted in displeasure!
How could someone zone out during the master’s lecture?
Bai Mo also noticed that Huang Sitong was zoning out.
He walked up and waved his hand in front of Huang Sitong.
"Student, focus a bit."
Huang Sitong was startled and shivered.
"Ah... I... wasn’t."
She smiled awkwardly.
Then quickly tried to explain.
"I suddenly had an idea!
"Expert Bai Mo, you see, this cryo-electron microscope can only observe frozen, static molecules, but can’t observe dynamic biochemical processes, right?
"But if I want to observe the dynamic biochemical processes inside a living organism, could a very thin slice from a living organism be cut and observed under this microscope?"
Most of the laboratory chuckled.
It’s an operation-less, immature idea—an impossible venture.
Bai Mo pondered for a moment and then earnestly explained.
"That should be impossible.
"If you cut a cell-level thin slice, it can indeed temporarily retain activity. To observe such things, a regular microscope will suffice.
"But cutting a molecule-level thin slice... current technology can’t achieve this."
Several researchers exchanged smiles.
Cut a slice with molecule thickness?
Does this undergraduate think they’re an Atomic Samurai? This scientific literacy is really lacking, isn’t it?
Huang Sitong hurriedly defended.
"That’s not what I meant, I was wondering if the electron microscope could probe into living organisms using the electron gun probe and film, sandwiching a layer of molecules... Uh... Forget I said anything..."
She trailed off as she spoke, increasingly embarrassed.
This idea was even less executable, even more naive!
Everyone in the laboratory turned to look at the undergraduate with an outrageous notion.
Bai Mo grinned but didn’t say much, and continued his lecture.
In her mind, Huang Sitong went to a stone bench in a courtyard, grabbing Ancient Immortal’s arm beside her.
"Master! You understand what I mean, right?
"I wasn’t talking about technology.
