If You Think Science Isn’t Beautiful, You Are Wrong.  (All Images Courtesy Of Cell Picture Show)

Just found out about the weirdest shark ever

Prickly dogfish

Take a look at this newly diagnosed Multiple

Myeloma (MM) case!

MM is a type of cancer developed by the overproduction of plasma cells in the bone marrow (B-cell lineage). Plasma cells are responsible for the production of antibodies to fight infection within the body.

Helpful lab findings

C- hypercalcemia

R- renal failure (increased CREA+BUN)

A- anemia

B- bone lesions

Confirmatory testing

1. Serum protein electrophoresis: spike in the gamma wave aka monoclonal paraprotein (M-spike)

2. Immunofixation protein electrophoresis: identifies the type of immunoglobulin (heavy chain) present (IgA, IgG, [gE, etc.)

3. Free Light Chain Assay: determine if the immuglobulin is

Kappa or Lambda

4. Bone Marrow aspiration: take a look at the first picture.

60% of the bone marrow is most likely plasma cells

Different types of MM

-Smoldering MM (increased plasma cells in bone marrow & high protein. Does NOT follow CRAB)

-MGUS (decreased plasma cells in bone marrow)

-Light chain amyloidosis

Let's learn about the Babesia parasite!

Caused by infected ticks

Leads to anemia & low platelets

Testing: thin & thick smears, morphology, parasitemia levels, PCR

Treatment depends on severity (ranges from antiprotozoal meds or exchange transfusion)

Ring-like formation in the RBCs = Babesia parasite! (Very similar morphology to Malaria)

Nothing like a good case of ringworm to make you aware of literally every itchy part on your body

regular lobsters start out as just little lobsters but spiny lobsters start out as these beautiful weird larvae that also evolved to ride on top of jellyfish. This jellyfish is too small though!!!

Who doesn't love a good ole PAS stain?

Ft some lovely Cryptococcus organisms

Highway system or fungal contaminants in an in-clinic diffquik stain?

A great example of branching, septate fungal hyphae and why in-clinic cytology dyes should be changed regularly! Fungi love to grow in them and can easily be misinterpreted as pathological!