Just a little dab’ll do you: Clara Bolton (Paleontologist, CEREGE, Europole de L’Arbois, France), specializing in nannofossils, applies a small amount of sample material using the end of a toothpick. Such a sample is commonly called a “smear slide.” This type of slide is viewed through a light microscope at high magnification to search for nannofossils. The characteristics found in the microfossils can give an indication of the age of the sediment. (Credit: Bill Crawford, IODP JRSO) [Photo ID: exp353_017]