Abstract: Systems, apparatuses, and methods enable rapid, repeatable, and accurate dissection of arthropods. Arthropod dissection apparatuses includes a shear dissection mechanism having a primary shear body and a secondary shear body. The primary shear body includes at least an inlet channel, a first outlet channel, and a second outlet channel formed therein. The secondary shear body is disposed in an aperture of the primary shear body and has a dissection chamber formed therein. The secondary shear body is movable between a first position and a second position relative to the primary shear body, which causes a shearing action at a shearing interface between the secondary shear body and the primary shear body.

Abstract: A method for synthesizing noble metal nanostructures is disclosed. The method involves reacting under heat a noble metal precursor, a polyol reducing agent, and a stabilizing polymer. Morphological control is achieved by controlling the reduction rate of the noble metal.