What might look like the latest in tick inspired jewelry design is rather a set of tick samples prepared for environmental scanning electron microscopy. In this case, ticks were mounted with forelegs turned so their Haller’s organ faced upwards, and they were then coated with gold and platinum. According to entomologist Marianne Alleyne, Ph.D., “the gold/platinum mixture is an especially good electrical conductor” and helps keep the sample from being “fried” by the electron beam. (Photo credit: Tanya Josek)