Being a student and teacher of the biological sciences has affected the way that I see the things around me. Microbiology - the study of micro-organisms - has done so in an especially large way.

Aside from the fact that I am now acutely aware of the omnipresence of micro-organisms, microbiology has taught me to take time to appreciate the little things in life, to analyse them carefully and to see the importance of the unseen.

Perhaps I will expand on each of these points in the next few posts. In the meantime, let's get back to this.

I learned to use a microscope in Primary School. It was a simple one that used a mirror to direct light through the sample. It worked reasonably well. I viewed bits of dust, bugs and hairs that I found on the ground. I saw things that I never knew existed and this got me interested in the little things that make up the greater whole.

This interest now extends beyond living creatures into situations, people interactions and even macro photography. It may be a stretch to say so, but I am starting to believe that my ability to notice little things started from that first experience.

I believe our traits and abilities have been honed over the years by practice and experience. Many of these traits must have started somewhere. Where would you say yours started?