[Histonet] soften beak

[Rui TAHARA]

Thank you for suggestions for softening beak. 
Yes, I actually processed the whole head for decalcifying first and then place the sample in 10% KOH for 30 mins. It was my first attempt to process beak (including a whole head) thus, i did not know i should have processed softening beak first. 
Anyway, after placing the beak in 10% KOH for 30 mins, it did not seem to soften enough. However, I did not overly place it in solution because it may destroy the microscopic structure. 

How soft the nail becomes after 10 % KOH or Nair treatment, such as you can bent the nail easily etc..? 
Any suggestion would be appreciated. 

rui 


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From: ruio7 <@t> hotmail.com
To: histonet <@t> lists.utsouthwestern.edu
Date: Fri, 10 Apr 2015 05:23:01 +0900
Subject: [Histonet] soften beak

Hi, 
 
I am just wondering what you would recommend to soften avian beak for paraffin processing. 
I found a protocol that KOH could be used to soften keratin in nail, however, I have not been able to find that this method is applicable specific to beak. 
Another concern is if i use KOH for an entire head, does KOH affect (e.g. damage) soft tissues?
 
Thank you in advance, 
 
rui 
 
 		 	   		  

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