View source for Microscopic scale

{{Short description|Objects too small to be seen unaided}}
{{hatnote group|
{{redirect|Microscopic|the EP by Download|Microscopic (EP){{!}}''Microscopic'' (EP)|not to be confused with|Microscopy|and|Microscope (disambiguation)}}
{{distinguish|Macroscopic scale}}
}}
The '''microscopic scale''' ({{etymology|grc|''{{wikt-lang|grc|μικρός}}'' ({{grc-transl|μικρός}})|small||''{{wikt-lang|grc|σκοπέω}}'' ({{grc-transl|σκοπέω}})|to look (at); examine, inspect}}) is the scale of objects and events smaller than those that can easily be seen by the [[naked eye]], requiring a [[lens (optics)|lens]] or [[microscope]] to see them clearly.<ref name="Waikato">{{cite web|title=The microscopic scale|url=http://sciencelearn.org.nz/Contexts/Exploring-with-Microscopes/Science-Ideas-and-Concepts/The-microscopic-scale|website=Science Learning Hub|publisher=The University of Waikato|access-date=31 March 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160420102701/http://sciencelearn.org.nz/Contexts/Exploring-with-Microscopes/Science-Ideas-and-Concepts/The-microscopic-scale|archive-date=20 April 2016|url-status=dead|df=dmy-all}}</ref> In [[physics]], the microscopic scale is sometimes regarded as the scale between the [[macroscopic scale]] and the [[quantum scale]].<ref name="What in the quantum world is macr">{{cite journal|last1=Jaeger|first1=Gregg|title=What in the (quantum) world is macroscopic?|journal=American Journal of Physics|date=September 2014|volume=82|issue=9|pages=896–905|doi=10.1119/1.4878358|bibcode = 2014AmJPh..82..896J }}</ref><ref>{{cite book|last=Reif|first=F.|title=Fundamentals of Statistical and Thermal Physics|year=1965|publisher=McGraw-Hill|location=Boston|isbn=007-051800-9|edition=International student|page=[https://archive.org/details/fundamentalsofst00fred/page/2 2]|quote=We shall call a system {{'}}''micro''scopic' (i.e., {{'}}''small'' scale') if it is roughly of atomic dimensions or smaller (say of the order of 10 [[Angstrom|Å]] or less).|url-access=registration|url=https://archive.org/details/fundamentalsofst00fred/page/2}}</ref> Microscopic units and measurements are used to classify and describe very small objects. One common microscopic [[length scale]] unit is the [[micrometre]] (also called a ''micron'') (symbol: μm), which is one millionth of a [[metre]].

== History ==
Whilst compound microscopes were first developed in the 1590s, the significance of the microscopic scale was only truly established in the 1600s when [[Marcello Malpighi|Marcello Malphigi]] and [[Antonie van Leeuwenhoek]] microscopically observed frog lungs and microorganisms. As microbiology was established, the significance of making scientific observations at a microscopic level increased.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Wills |first=Matthew |date=2018-03-27 |title=The Evolution of the Microscope |url=https://daily.jstor.org/the-evolution-of-the-microscope/ |access-date=2022-05-12 |website=JSTOR Daily |language=en-US}}</ref>

Published in 1665, [[Robert Hooke]]'s book Micrographia details his microscopic observations including fossils insects, sponges, and plants, which was possible through his development of the compound microscope. During his studies of cork, he discovered plant cells and coined the term '[[Cell (biology)|cell]]'.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Robert Hooke |url=https://ucmp.berkeley.edu/history/hooke.html |access-date=2022-05-23 |website=ucmp.berkeley.edu}}</ref>

Prior to the use of the micro- prefix, other terms were originally incorporated into the International [[metric system]] in 1795, such as [[centi-]] which represented a factor of 10<sup>-2</sup>, and [[milli-]], which represented a factor of 10<sup>-3</sup>.<ref name="Naughtin-2008">{{Cite web |last=Naughtin |date=2008 |title=Metrication Timeline |url=http://www.metricationmatters.com/docs/MetricationTimeline.pdf |access-date=2022-05-12}}</ref>

Over time the importance of measurements made at the microscopic scale grew, and an instrument named the Millionometre was developed by watch-making company owner Antoine LeCoultre in 1844. This instrument had the ability to precisely measure objects to the nearest micrometre.<ref name="Naughtin-2008" />

The [[British association for the advancement of science|British Association for the Advancement of Science]] committee incorporated the micro- prefix into the newly established [[Cgs System|CGS system]] in 1873.<ref name="Naughtin-2008" />

The micro- prefix was finally added to the official [[SI system]] in 1960, acknowledging measurements that were made at an even smaller level, denoting a factor of 10<sup>-6</sup>.<ref name="Naughtin-2008" />

==Biology==
By convention, the microscopic scale also includes classes of objects that are most commonly too small to see but of which some members are large enough to be observed with the eye. Such groups include the ''[[Cladocera]]'', planktonic green [[algae]] of which ''[[Volvox]]'' is readily observable, and the protozoa of which ''[[Stentor (protozoa)|Stentor]]'' can be easily seen without aid.
The submicroscopic scale similarly includes objects that are too small to see with an [[optical microscope]].<ref name="What in the quantum world is macr"/>

==Thermodynamics==
In [[thermodynamics]] and [[statistical mechanics]], the microscopic scale is the scale at which we do not measure or directly observe the precise state of a thermodynamic system&nbsp;– such detailed states of a system are called microstates.  We instead measure thermodynamic variables at a [[macroscopic scale]], i.e. the ''macrostate''.{{cn|date=July 2022}}

== Levels of Microscopic Scale ==
[[File:Cay sand.JPG|thumb|Cay foraminifera sand from Warraber Island Torres Strait, under a light microscope. The shape and texture in each individual grain is made visible through the microscope.<ref>{{Citation |last=en.wikipedia |first=D. E. Hart-Chopperxs at |title=English: Cay foraminifera sand under a microscope, from Warraber Island - Torres Strait . Photo by DE Hart 2003. |date=2003 |url=https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Cay_sand.JPG |access-date=2022-05-27}}</ref>]]
As the microscopic scale covers any object that cannot be seen by the naked eye, yet is visible under a microscope, the range of objects that fall under this scale can be as small as an atom, visible underneath a [[Transmission electron microscopy|transmission electron microscope]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Microscopes and telescopes |url=https://www.sciencelearn.org.nz/topics/microscopes-and-telescopes |access-date=2022-05-12 |website=Science Learning Hub |language=en}}</ref> Microscope types are often distinguished by their mechanism and application, and can be divided into two general categories.<ref name="Nikon’s MicroscopyU">{{Cite web |title=Resolution |url=https://www.microscopyu.com/microscopy-basics/resolution |access-date=2022-05-12 |website=Nikon’s MicroscopyU}}</ref>
[[File:Schlagmarken1.jpg|thumb|The impact marks and features on this single grain of sand can be clearly viewed through an electron microscope.<ref>{{Citation |last=Ries |first=Gunnar |title=Schlagmarken auf einem Sandkorn elektronenmikrokopische Aufnahme |date=2005-10-31 |url=https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Schlagmarken1.jpg |access-date=2022-05-27}}</ref>]]

=== Light microscopes ===
{{main|light microscope}}
Amongst light microscopes, the utilised [[Objective (optics)|objective lens]] dictates how small of an object can be seen. These varying objective lenses can change the resolving power of the microscope, which determines the shortest distance that somebody is able to distinguish two separate objects through that microscope lens. It is important to note that the resolution between two objects varies from individual to individual,<ref name="Nikon’s MicroscopyU" /> but the strength of the objective lenses can be quantified.<ref name="internationalmedicalaid-2020">{{Cite web  |author=internationalmedicalaid |date=2020-11-19 |title=What Are The 5 Types Of Microscopes And Their Uses |url=https://medicalaid.org/what-are-the-5-types-of-microscopes-and-their-uses/ |access-date=2022-05-12 |website=International Medical Aid |language=en-US}}</ref>

In the 1660s, [[Antonie van Leeuwenhoek]] devised a simple microscope utilising a single spherical lens mounted between two thin brass plates. Depending on the quality of the lens, magnifications of between 70x and 250x were possible. The specimen to be examined was mounted on a  point on a finely threaded rod.<ref name="ALI" >{{cite journal|url=https://www.researchgate.net/figure/Anton-van-Leeuwenhoeks-simple-microscope_fig3_49749832|title= Figure 1. Portrait of Anton van Leeuwenhoek (1632-1723)|access-date=2 January 2024|date=October 2010|pages = 311–4|volume = 42|journal = Revista Argentina de microbiología|doi = 10.1590/S0325-75412010000400013
|doi-broken-date= 1 November 2024}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.nsf.gov/news/speeches/colwell/rc01_anatlesson/tsld005.htm|access-date=2 January 2024|title=Leeuwenhoek Microscope|publisher=National Science Foundation}}</ref>

[[Optical_microscope#Compound_microscope|Compound light microscopes]] have a short focal length objective lens which produces a [[real image]]  which is examined using a longer focal length eyepiece. The ratio of the focal length of the objective and the eyepiece, when mounted in a standard tube length, gives an approximate magnification of the system. Due to their design, compound microscopes have  improved resolving power and contrast in comparison to simple microscopes,<ref name="internationalmedicalaid-2020" /> and can be used to view the structure, shape and motility of a cell and its organisms,<ref name="Microbiology Note-2020">{{Cite web |date=2020-07-07 |title=Types of Microscopes with their applications |url=https://microbiologynote.com/types-of-microscopes-with-their-applications/ |access-date=2022-05-12 |website=Microbiology Note |language=en-US}}</ref> which can be as small as 0.1 micrometres.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2018-07-05 |title=4.1D: Cell Size |url=https://bio.libretexts.org/Bookshelves/Introductory_and_General_Biology/Book%3A_General_Biology_(Boundless)/04%3A_Cell_Structure/4.1%3A_Studying_Cells/4.1D%3A_Cell_Size |access-date=2022-05-12 |website=Biology LibreTexts |language=en}}</ref>

=== Electron microscopes ===
While electron microscopes are still a form of compound microscope, their use of [[electron]] beams to illuminate objects varies in mechanism significantly from compound light microscopes, allowing them to have a much higher resolving power, and magnification approximately 10,000 times more than light microscopes.<ref name="Microbiology Note-2020" /> These can be used to view objects such as [[atom]]s, which are as small as 0.001 micrometres.<ref name="Waikato" />

== Uses ==
[[File:Animal forensics beweise objektträger.jpg|thumb|221x221px|Slides with preserved pieces of hair under the coverslip. These samples were microscopically analysed for their condition, followed by DNA analysis, as a part of an animal forensics investigation.]]

=== Forensics ===
During forensic investigations, [[trace evidence]] from crime scenes such as blood, fingerprints and fibres can be closely examined under microscopes, even to the extent of determining the age of a trace. Along with other specimens, biological traces can be used to accurately identify individuals present at a location, down to cells found in their blood.<ref>{{Citation |last1=Saadat |first1=Saeida |title=Microscopy for Forensic Investigations |date=2020-10-19 |url=https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/9783527827688.ch6 |work=Technology in Forensic Science |pages=101–127 |editor-last=Rawtani |editor-first=Deepak |edition=1 |publisher=Wiley |language=en |doi=10.1002/9783527827688.ch6 |isbn=978-3-527-34762-9 |access-date=2022-05-12 |last2=Pandey |first2=Gaurav |last3=Tharmavaram |first3=Maithri |s2cid=224974498 |editor2-last=Hussain |editor2-first=Chaudhery Mustansar|url-access=subscription }}</ref>

=== Gemology ===
When the monetary value of gems is determined, various professions in [[gemology]] require systematic observation of the microscopic physical and optical properties of gemstones.<ref name="International Gem Society">{{Cite web |title=Introduction to Gemology |url=https://www.gemsociety.org/article/an-introduction-to-gemology/ |access-date=2022-05-23 |website=International Gem Society |language=en}}</ref> This can involve the use of stereo microscopes to evaluate these qualities, to eventually determine the value of each individual jewel or gemstone.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Gemological Microscope Australia |url=https://www.saxon.com.au/microscopes/microscope-types/gemological-microscopes.html#:~:text=Gemological |access-date=2022-05-23 |website=www.saxon.com.au}}</ref> This can be done similarly in evaluations of gold and other metals.<ref name="International Gem Society" />

=== Infrastructure ===

When assessing road materials, the microscopic composition of the [[infrastructure]] is vital in determining the longevity and safety of the road, and the different requirements of varying locations. As chemical properties such as water permeability, structural stability and [[Thermal resistance|heat resistance]] affect the performance of different materials used in pavement mixes, they are taken into consideration when building for roads according to the traffic, weather, supply and budget in that area.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2021-02-22 |title=Road materials under the microscope |url=https://infrastructuremagazine.com.au/2021/02/23/road-materials-under-the-microscope/ |access-date=2022-05-12 |website=Infrastructure Magazine |language=en-US}}</ref>

=== Medicine ===

[[File:Gross pathology and histopathology of signet ring cell carcinoma metastasis to the ovary.jpg|thumb|A sample can be cross-sectioned from these ovary Krukenberg tumours to microscopically observe their histopathological appearance. Under the different magnification levels, a microscope can zoom in on the invasive proliferation of signet-ring cells with a desmoplastic stroma.<ref>{{Citation |last=Koichi |first=Nakamura, Yoshiaki; Hiramatsu, Ayako; Koyama, Takafumi; Oyama, Yu; Tanaka, Ayuko; Honma |title=English: Signet ring cell carcinoma metastasis to the ovary, also called Krukenberg tumor: Gross pathology (top, cross-section at right) and histopathology at low (×100) and high (×200) magnification, with H&E stain. The latter shows invasive proliferation of signet-ring cells with a desmoplastic stroma. |date=2014-10-16 |url=https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Gross_pathology_and_histopathology_of_signet_ring_cell_carcinoma_metastasis_to_the_ovary.jpg |access-date=2022-05-27}}</ref>]]

In [[medicine]], diagnoses can be made with the assistance of microscopic observation of patient [[Biopsy|biopsies]], such as cancer cells. [[Pathology]] and [[cytology]] reports include a microscopic description, which consists of analyses performed using microscopes, histochemical stains or [[flow cytometry]]. These methods can determine the structure of the diseased tissue and the severity of the disease, and early detection is possible through identification of microscopic indications of illness.<ref>{{Cite web |title=What information is included in a pathology report? |url=https://www.cancer.org/treatment/understanding-your-diagnosis/tests/testing-biopsy-and-cytology-specimens-for-cancer/whats-in-pathology-report.html |access-date=2022-05-12 |website=www.cancer.org |language=en}}</ref>

== Microscopic scale in the laboratory ==
Whilst use of the microscopic scale has many roles and purposes in the scientific field, there are many biochemical patterns observed microscopically that have contributed significantly to the understanding of how human life relies on microscopic structures to function and live.{{cn|date=July 2022}}

=== Founding experiments ===
Antonie van Leeuwenhoek was not only a contributor to the invention of the microscope, he is also referred to as the "father of Microbiology". This is due to his significant contributions in the initial observation and documentation of [[unicellular organism]]s such as bacteria and spermatozoa, and microscopic human tissue such as muscle fibres and capillaries.<ref>{{Cite web |title=BBC - History - Historic Figures: Antonie van Leeuwenhoek (1632 - 1723) |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/history/historic_figures/van_leeuwenhoek_antonie.shtml#:~:text=In%201676,%20van%20Leeuwenhoek%20observed,able%20to%20confirm%20his%20discoveries. |access-date=2022-05-23 |website=www.bbc.co.uk |language=en-GB}}</ref>

=== Biochemistry ===

==== Human cells ====
Genetic manipulation of energy-regulating [[Mitochondrion|mitochondria]] under microscopic principles has also been found to extend organism lifespan, tackling age-associated issues in humans such as [[Parkinson's disease|Parkinson's]], [[Alzheimer's disease|Alzheimer's]] and [[multiple sclerosis]]. By increasing the amount of energy products made by mitochondria, the lifespan of its cell, and thus organism, increases.<ref>{{Cite web |title=The microscopic structures that could hold the key to a longer, healthier life {{!}} Research and Innovation |url=https://ec.europa.eu/research-and-innovation/en/horizon-magazine/microscopic-structures-could-hold-key-longer-healthier-life |access-date=2022-05-12 |website=ec.europa.eu |date=18 August 2014 |language=en}}</ref>

==== DNA ====
Microscopic analysis of the spatial distribution of points within [[DNA]] [[heterochromatin]] [[centromere]]s emphasise the role of the centromeric regions of chromosomes in nuclei undergoing the [[interphase]] part of cell [[mitosis]]. Such microscopic observations suggest nonrandom distribution and precise structure of centromeres during mitosis is a vital contributor to successful cell function and growth, even in cancer cells.<ref>{{Citation |last1=Fleischer |first1=Frank |title=Analysis of Spatial Point Patterns in Microscopic and Macroscopic Biological Image Data |date=2006-01-01 |url=https://www.researchgate.net/publication/226550759 |work=Case Studies in Spatial Point Process Modeling |pages=235–260 |isbn=978-0-387-28311-1 |access-date=2022-05-12 |last2=Beil |first2=Michael |last3=Kazda |first3=Marian |last4=Schmidt |first4=Volker}}</ref>

=== Chemistry and physics ===
[[File:Arnager-kalk-bornholm 09 hg.jpg|thumb|Photomicrograph of Arnager Kalk ("Arnager Limestone"), taken with a Scanning Electron Microscope. From the Upper Cretaceous of Bornholm, Denmark: a microscopic view of prismatic crystals and spheroidal aggregates of unidentified authigenic minerals.<ref>{{Citation |last=Grobe/AWI |first=Hannes |title=SEM photomicrograph of Arnager Kalk ("Arnager Limestone") from the Upper Cretaceous of Bornholm, Denmark: close up of prismatic crystals and spheroidal aggregates of unidentified authigenic minerals. |date=1980-04-07 |url=https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Arnager-kalk-bornholm_09_hg.jpg |access-date=2022-05-27}}</ref>]]
The [[entropy]] and disorder of the universe can be observed at a microscopic scale, with reference to the second and third [[Laws of thermodynamics|law of thermodynamics]]. In some cases, this can involve calculating the entropy change within a container of expanding gas molecules and relating it to the entropy change of its environment and the universe.<ref>{{Cite journal |last1=OpenStax |last2=Herrera-Siklody |first2=Paula |date=2016-08-03 |title=4.7 Entropy on a Microscopic Scale |url=https://pressbooks.online.ucf.edu/phy2048tjb/chapter/4-7-entropy-on-a-microscopic-scale/ |language=en}}</ref>

=== Ecology ===
Ecologists  monitor the state of an ecosystem over time by identifying microscopic features within the environment. This includes the temperature and {{CO2}} tolerance of microorganisms such as ciliates, and their interactions with othrt Protozoa. Additionally, microscopic factors such as movement and motility can be observed in water samples of that ecosystem.<ref>{{Cite journal |last=Bamforth |first=Stuart S. |date=1980 |title=Test Tube and Microscope in Microbial Ecology |url=https://www.jstor.org/stable/3225699 |journal=Transactions of the American Microscopical Society |volume=99 |issue=2 |pages=145–151 |doi=10.2307/3225699 |jstor=3225699 |issn=0003-0023|url-access=subscription }}</ref>

=== Geology ===
Branches of [[geology]] involve the study of the Earth's structure at a microscopic level. Physical characteristics of rocks are recorded, and in [[petrography]] there is a specific focus on the examination of microscopic details of rocks. Similar to scanning electron microscopes, electron microprobes can be used in [[petrology]] to observe the condition that allows rocks to form, which can inform the origin of these samples. In [[structural geology]], petrographic microscopes allow the study of rock microstructures, to determine how geologic features such as [[Plate tectonics|tectonic plates]] affect the likelihood of earthquakes and groundwater movement.<ref>{{Cite web |title=How are Microscopes Used in Geology |url=https://microscopeinternational.com/how-are-microscopes-used-in-geology/ |access-date=2022-05-23 |website=New York Microscope Company |language=en}}</ref>

==Current research==
[[File:Cerebral amyloid angiopathy -2a- amyloid beta - very low mag.jpg|thumb|A low magnification microscopic view of cerebral amyloid angiopathy, with brown-stained senile plaque visible in the cerebral cortex, characteristic of Alzheimer's Disease.<ref>{{Citation |last=Nephron |title=English: Very low magnification micrograph of cerebral amyloid angiopathy with senile plaques in the cerebral cortex consistent of amyloid beta, as may be seen in Alzheimer disease. Amyloid beta immunostain. |url=https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Cerebral_amyloid_angiopathy_-2a-_amyloid_beta_-_very_low_mag.jpg |access-date=2022-05-27}}</ref>]]
There have been both advances in microscopic technology, and discoveries in other areas of knowledge as a result of microscopic technology.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Five of the most recent microscopy developments |url=https://www.drugtargetreview.com/article/65572/five-of-the-most-recent-microscopy-developments/ |access-date=2022-05-12 |website=Drug Target Review |language=en}}</ref>

=== Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease ===
In conjunction with fluorescent tagging, molecular details in singular [[amyloid]] proteins can be studied through new light microscopy techniques, and their relation to Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease.<ref>{{Cite journal |last1=Ding |first1=Tianben |last2=Wu |first2=Tingting |last3=Mazidi |first3=Hesam |last4=Zhang |first4=Oumeng |last5=Lew |first5=Matthew D. |date=2020-06-20 |title=Single-molecule orientation localization microscopy for resolving structural heterogeneities between amyloid fibrils |journal=Optica |volume=7 |issue=6 |pages=602–607 |doi=10.1364/optica.388157 |issn=2334-2536 |pmc=7440617 |pmid=32832582|bibcode=2020Optic...7..602D }}</ref>

=== Atomic force microscopy ===
Other improvements in light microscopy include the ability to view sub-wavelength, nanosized objects.<ref>{{Cite journal |last1=Zhu |first1=Jinlong |last2=Udupa |first2=Aditi |last3=Goddard |first3=Lynford L. |date=2020-06-02 |title=Visualizable detection of nanoscale objects using anti-symmetric excitation and non-resonance amplification |journal=Nature Communications |language=en |volume=11 |issue=1 |pages=2754 |doi=10.1038/s41467-020-16610-0 |pmid=32488014 |pmc=7265281 |bibcode=2020NatCo..11.2754Z |s2cid=219175712 |issn=2041-1723|doi-access=free }}</ref> Nanoscale imaging via [[atomic force microscopy]] has also been improved to allow a more precise observation of small amounts of complex objects, such as [[cell membrane]]s.<ref>{{Cite journal |last1=Kenkel |first1=Seth |last2=Mittal |first2=Shachi |last3=Bhargava |first3=Rohit |date=2020-06-26 |title=Closed-loop atomic force microscopy-infrared spectroscopic imaging for nanoscale molecular characterization |journal=Nature Communications |language=en |volume=11 |issue=1 |pages=3225 |doi=10.1038/s41467-020-17043-5 |pmid=32591515 |pmc=7320136 |bibcode=2020NatCo..11.3225K |issn=2041-1723}}</ref>
[[File:Cerebral amyloid angiopathy -2b- amyloid beta - very high mag.jpg|thumb|221x221px|A very high magnification microscopic view of the exact same slide, zooming in on the brown staining caused by amyloid beta in senile plaques, contributing to symptoms of Alzheimer's disease.<ref>{{Citation |last=Nephron |title=English: Very high magnification micrograph of cerebral amyloid angiopathy with senile plaques in the cerebral cortex consistent of amyloid beta, as may be seen in Alzheimer disease. Amyloid beta immunostain. |url=https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Cerebral_amyloid_angiopathy_-2b-_amyloid_beta_-_very_high_mag.jpg |access-date=2022-05-27}}</ref>]]

=== Renewable energy ===
Coherent microscopic patterns discovered in chemical systems support ideas of the resilience of certain substances against [[Entropy|entropic]] environments. This research is being utilised to inform the productions of [[solar fuel]]s, and the improvement of renewable energy.<ref>{{Cite journal |last1=Scholes |first1=Gregory D. |last2=Fleming |first2=Graham R. |last3=Chen |first3=Lin X. |last4=Aspuru-Guzik |first4=Alán |last5=Buchleitner |first5=Andreas |last6=Coker |first6=David F. |last7=Engel |first7=Gregory S. |last8=van Grondelle |first8=Rienk |last9=Ishizaki |first9=Akihito |last10=Jonas |first10=David M. |last11=Lundeen |first11=Jeff S. |date=March 2017 |title=Using coherence to enhance function in chemical and biophysical systems |url=http://www.nature.com/articles/nature21425 |journal=Nature |language=en |volume=543 |issue=7647 |pages=647–656 |doi=10.1038/nature21425 |pmid=28358065 |bibcode=2017Natur.543..647S |osti=1464147 |s2cid=1584055 |issn=0028-0836|hdl=1871.1/a418a63b-9b9e-4b4b-bdb8-620022c52bca |hdl-access=free }}</ref>

=== Microscopic musical instrument - Micronium ===
A microscopic musical instrument called the Micronium has also been developed through [[micromechanics]], consisting of springs the thickness of human hair being plucked by microscopic comb drives. This is a very minimal movement that produces an audible noise to the human ear, which was not previously done by past attempts with microscopic instruments.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Making music on a microscopic scale |url=https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/09/100928083836.htm |access-date=2022-05-12 |website=ScienceDaily |language=en}}</ref>

==See also==
* [[Macroscopic scale]]
* [[Microorganism]]
* [[Van Leeuwenhoek's microscopes]]
* [[Microscopic discovery of microorganisms|Van Leeuwenhoek's microscopic discovery of microbial life (microorganisms)]]

==References==
{{reflist}}

{{Orders of magnitude}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Microscopic Scale}}
[[Category:Concepts in physics]]
[[Category:Orders of magnitude]]