# Microscopic Snowflakes Researchers Use a Lt-Sem to Zoom in on Frosty Precipitation By Meghan Young | Published 2010-12-28 | Tech Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/microscopic-snowflakes References: [dvice](http://dvice.com/archives/2010/12/snowflakes-unde.php#11) & [emu.arsusda.gov](http://emu.arsusda.gov/snowsite/default.html) These microscopic snowflakes show just how unique they are. Although we already knew that no two are alike, zooming in at this level gives us a whole new perspective. These microscopic snowflakes shots were taken by researchers at the Beltsville Agricultural Research Center in Maryland. They used a [Low Temperature Scanning Electron Microscope](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/helical-diodes) (LT-SEM) to achieve these spectacular shots. No longer do they look like [typical snowflakes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/snowflake-exhibition). Instead, they are like some sort of alien structures. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 2.3/10 - Popularity: 49% | Activity: 12% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Europe ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Tech](https://www.trendhunter.com/tech) > [Science](https://www.trendhunter.com/science) ## Key Themes ### What's Driving This Trend - **Microscopic Imaging:** The use of Low Temperature Scanning Electron Microscope (LT-SEM) in capturing unique images can disrupt medical and scientific industries. - **Structural Analysis:** Analyzing the unique structures of microscopic snowflakes can lead to new innovations in materials and engineering industries. - **Visual Artistry:** Capturing stunning images of microscopic snowflake structures can transform the art and photography industries. ### Who This Affects Most - **Science:** Microscopic imaging can disrupt scientific industries by providing high-resolution images that can aid in research. - **Engineering:** Analyzing and replicating the unique structures of microscopic snowflakes can lead to innovations in the materials and engineering industries. - **Art:** Visual artistry can benefit from the unique and stunning images created by the LT-SEM, disrupting the traditional ways of capturing and presenting art forms. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Snowflake-Shaped Chocolate Bites](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/lindt-chocolate-snowflakes.md) - [Smart Toy Microscopes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/microscope-toy-for-kids.md) - [Global Snow Forecast Websites](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/follow-the-snow-today.md) - [Supplemental Smartphone Lens Microscopes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/imicro-q3.md) - [Microscopic Imaging Platforms](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/sscopy.md) - [Scientifically-Accurate Glass Sculptures](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/glass-microbiology.md) - [STEM Microscope Kits](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/microscope-explorer-series.md) - [Pristine Snowflake-Mimicking Timepieces](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/grand-seiko-1.md) - [Ultra-Fast Multi-Frame Cameras](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/scarf-1.md)