MORGELLONS: FIRST OBSERVATIONS by Clifford E Carnicom

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MORGELLONS: FIRST OBSERVATIONS

Clifford E Carnicom

Aug 12 2006

Edited Aug 16 2006

Copyright 2006 by Clifford E Carnicom and Jan Smith

 

This paper is being presented in two stages. The first paper will

describe a series of observations under the microscope at relatively

high power. The subject of observation is sample material received

from an individual that displays the symptoms of what is now known as

Morgellons disease. The Morgellons disease is characterized in part by

the presence of a host of unusual skin conditions, commonly including

persistent lesions and unusual fibers or filaments. The second paper

will be commentary on the Morgellons issue from the perspective of

this researcher; it will be presented separately at a later date.

 

The illness causes much pain and suffering. The acceptance of the

illness by the formal medical community remains controversial, despite

increasing and widespread evidence of its existence. This inquiry is

prompted by the finding that despite several years of presumed

research on the Morgellons issue, there apparently are no suitably

magnified images of the filaments available to the public. Despite

recent media attention to the issue, it also appears to be commonly

claimed that there are not sufficient resources available to conduct

suitable examinations. This presentation will seek to address this

problem to the degree possible here.

 

 

Original Sample Envelope Postmarked Jul 14 2006.

Samples are from the subject directly and were sent to me upon my request.

 

Materials were received in mid July after lengthy discussion with the

individual. This person has previously made numerous observations and

discussions available to the public; photographs were limited to a

magnfication of 200x by the equipment that was available. I offered to

conduct a microscopic study at higher magnification, to photograph the

results and to make this information available to the public. This is

the primary purpose of this first report; no concerted effort to

evaluate the nature of the materials will be made on this page. This

page represents several hours of study under the microscope of one

portion of one sample, and much more work remains to be done. I may or

may not have the means or resources to continue this study and it is

questionable that this work should occur under the domain of citizen

activism.

 

One of the goals of this paper is to also provide the reader with a

sense of scale, and to show a progression from the original materials

as they exist from the body to the highest magnification possible with

my equipment. The materials received were packaged carefully,

thoroughly labeled and in good order. The subject's description of the

physical symptoms encountered are thorough and complete. Any questions

put forth to the individual about the illness have been answered in

full candor and detail. The subject has provided numerous samples to a

medical doctor in the past but no specific response, descriptions,

photos or analysis have apparently been provided in return. Detailed

information or replies from any formal medical representative,

non-profit support or research groups, educational institutions and

government agencies appears to be grossly deficient. There appears to

be no adequate response to the individual's many appeals for analysis

of the illness symptoms and physical manifestations. The ramifications

of a potentially large scale health issue that may be affecting a much

larger portion of the population than is currently recognized must be

considered. In addition to the suffering that has been endured, those

leading individuals that have come forth with their appeals for

assistance have in the main been derided, denied or refused. At the

very least this group requires our humanitarian compassion and medical

assistance.

 

It is also necessary to confront directly the numerous claims of

" delusion " that are commonly circulated in conjunction with the public

reports on this issue, and to seek out if there are any agendas that

may be associated with this characterization of the illness. It must

also be asked why the citizenry is in the position of having to

provide the information on this page to the public. The question of

unknown health risks to the public (and even to this researcher)

should be addressed.

 

It is a legitimate question to seek out if these materials are of any

unusual form or nature, as this does not appear to be properly and

publicly addressed at this point. Adequate images under the microscope

may be of help here.

 

 

One of several original sample materials received in sealed plastic

container.

Materials photographed prior to handling and observation.

Materials stated to come from a lesion on the torso.

Embedded filaments within the lesion material are visible

(isolated fibers just visible to the naked eye).

This container measures approximately 1 inch (2.5cm) across.

Observations to follow are from this sample only.

 

 

Second photograph of original sample materials received.

Additional samples exist for future analysis.

Several filaments that emanate from the lesion material are visible to

the naked eye

Observations to follow are from this sample only.

 

The fibers that are visible and that emanate from the lesion material

in the photographs above are the subject of the photographs below.

Five magnification levels are available with the equipment being used:

approximately 700x, 1400x, 2800x, 5600x and 8600x. Digital

magnification of the final image can be increased further if the

situation warrants it and if the image quality supports the

enlargement. The limit of conventional optical magnification is

approximately 2000x. The higher levels shown here have been achieved

with the combination of digital camera equipment (primarily

astronomic) and a decent optical microscope. It is believed that these

images are the first available publicly that show internal detail of

the fibers that are apparently representative of the Morgellons

condition. Much deserves to be explained and accounted for with the

disclosures that follow, as it becomes quickly evident that these are

not typical nor uniform fibers.

 

The first image shown below is at a magnification of approximately 700

times. At the level of 700x, there is relatively little detail that

can be seen. The photograph is adequate, however, to obtain a first

estimate of its width; this first measurement is approximately 10 to

12 microns. This measurement already seriously calls into question

any claim of these fibers being a human hair, as they will measure

from approximately 60 to 100 microns in width. The irregular form of

the fiber and twisting that is apparent further eliminates any

realistic comparison to a human hair. At this point recall that most

images that have been made available have been at a level of 200x or

less; this already explains why little information about the

appearance of the fibers, let alone any internal structure, is

available to the public to review. I have encountered two extremely

high magnification images taken with an electron microscope, however,

it will be seen that no internal detail is available from those

images. As there is no commentary associated with those images, there

can be no further explanation of that deficiency at this point.

 

 

Magnification approximately 700x.

Approximate dimension in width : 10-12 microns.

No major distinguishing characteristics visible.

Indications of some internal structure to fiber may be apparent.

Suitable for measurement and comparison to human hair.

Some unevenness in size noted and ability of the fiber to fold or

twist is visible..

Two different fibers examined; both appear essentially identical at

this point.

 

The next presentation will be that of two control photographs for

purposes of comparison and to show the capability of the modified

microscopy equipment that is being used. THESE ARE FOR CONTROL

PURPOSES ONLY AND ARE NOT ASSOCIATED WITH THE SAMPLE MATERIALS IN ANY

WAY. The first photograph will be that of a human hair, also at a

magnification of approximately 700 times. The next photograph will be

that of a human blood cell at approximately 8600 times; a human blood

cell measures on the order of 6-8 microns across. For further

comparison, bacteria are commonly on the order of up to 10 microns in

size, and viruses are usually 1 micron or less. An asbestos fiber is

on the order of 2 microns. For further comparisons and extensive

fiber studies, please consult some of the earlier work on this site.

 

 

Human Hair : FOR CONTROL PURPOSES ONLY

Magnification approximately 700x..

Note smooth outline and uniform size.

Measurement : approximately 65 microns across.

No significant internal structure or form apparent.

 

 

Human Blood Cell : FOR CONTROL PURPOSES ONLY

Magnification approximately 8600x.

Approximate size of cell : 7 microns in diameter

This image represents the upper end of quality

and magnification of the equipment being used in this report.

 

The next set of photographs, the primary focus of this report, will

show a series of photographs at 1400x and 5600x levels of

magnification. At this stage of the research project, I will largely

let the photographs speak for themselves, with minor comments to

assist in their interpretation. The next two photographs at 1400x now

begin to show some interesting features and form that have not been

visible with the initial work. First, it is observed that the fibers

have a much more complicated internal structure than was discernible

at low magnification. In addition, there is more variance in the

dimensions of the fiber than is originally evident. Both of these

factors alone begin to seriously question or eliminate claims of

commonly known fibers, be they artificial or natural. In the media

reports alone, there are now reports of attempted matching of the

fiber form using large forensic databases and a complete failure of

identification in that attempt. One of the objectives of this report

is to allow the public itself to see why that failure is likely occurring.

 

There is a second revelation at this level of magnification and

observation. What appears to be a single filament coming from the

lesion material is actually much more complicated and that much exists

that is not visible to the naked eye. In the second of these two

photographs, notice the rather complicated web of numerous fibers.

This arrangement was most certainly not visible by eye when this

sample was placed under the microscope. It is at this point that much

greater interest is to be attached to the identification of these

filaments, as well as whatever structures may be contained within. We

also notice, particularly in the second photograph of greater

translucency, that internal, much smaller structures of elliptical

form exist. This begins to strongly suggest a biological nature to

the fibers, and a case for ruling out human hairs as well as any

common fiber form, natural or artificial, is now made.

 

At this point, it is at least appropriate to address the rather

massive efforts that have been and that are being made to characterize

this illness as a psychological problem of the afflicted individuals.

This effort will be addressed more completely in the commentary

section that shall follow at a later time. In the interim, however,

if the materials being shown here are representative of the Morgellons

condition, such efforts to foist a perception of " delusion " upon the

public can only be interpreted as a ruse of the highest order in an

effort to conceal, deny and avoid the true issues that we are facing.

The reports of occurrence of this illness are increasing and they are

global at this stage. It is reasonable to inquire as to what agendas

may be in place to so forcefully attempt to influence the public

perception of this condition or disease.

 

 

Magnification approximately 1400x.

Note variation in fiber form and internal structure becoming evident.

Notice irregularities on the surface of the fiber.

Notice translucent quality of the fiber.

 

 

Magnification approximately 1400x.

Numerous fibers are now available; this conglomerate not visible to

the naked eye.

Notice internal structures becoming increasingly visible.

Biological natures are more strongly indicated at this point of

observation.

 

The next and final set of photographs will be at 5600x. Several

important discoveries take place. It is now quite common within

certain segments of the primary fiber to find an internal sub-fibrous

structure. It can now be seen that what appears to be a single fiber

is composed of innumerable sub-fibers, and that these sub-fibers

measure at the micron or sub-micron level. There is no known previous

disclosure of this fact on the Morgellons condition and a much more

complex interpretation of the actual nature of the fibers must now be

proposed. Secondly, internal spherical or elliptical structures now

appear within the primary fiber, measuring on the order of 1 micron

(virus size). It is now a compelling priority to identify these

structures and their functions, including the internal micron sized

sub-fibers.

 

 

Magnification approximately 5600x.

Notice internal filament structure within the fiber.

Width of the internal fibrous structure is at the micron or sub-micron

level.

 

 

 

 

Magnification approximately 5600x.

Notice internal generally circular structures.

Strongly indicative of a biological nature at this point.

These structures measure on the order of 1 micron (virus size).

Increasingly complex internal nature of the original sample fiber is

now evident.

 

The last major discovery by observation at this point is what appears

to a " budding " structure of some sort. These structures appear on the

edge of the fiber at irregular intervals. These structures contain

two further components within. The first of these are spherical or

elliptical structures at the micron level within an encasing,

translucent shell. In addition, innumerable fibers at the sub-micron

level emerge from the budding structure. The budding structures are

highly indicative of a growth or reproductive process, and they may be

related to the spread of the disease.

 

 

Magnification approximately 5600x.

" Budding " structures are apparent on the sides of the fiber at

occasional locations.

The budding structures contain internal structures at the roughly

micron or sub-micron size.

Budding structures also often contain innumerable filaments within,

measuring apparently at the sub-micron level (Limit of equipment reached).

Reproduction and growth of the primary fiber structure may be closely

linked to these budding structures.

The budding structures generally appear to be quite complex in form,

structure and organization.

 

 

Magnification approximately 5600x.

Complex internal organization of sub-fibers and structural forms is

apparent.

 

 

Magnification approximately 5600x.

This photograph shows the ability of the fiber to be folded and/or

twisted.

Internal parallel organization of sub-fibers is visible.

Non-uniformity of the fibers dimensions is also evident.

Transverse separation or structure also visible in lower right of image.

 

 

Magnification approximately 5600x.

Additional budding structure visible on the edge of the primary fiber.

Complex internal micron size structures within.

Translucent encasement that is indicative or suggestive of

reproductive capability.

 

 

Magnification approximately 5600x.

Additional budding structure visible on the edge of the primary fiber.

Complex internal micron size structures within.

 

The conclusion of this report is necessarily brief at this time. The

basic conclusions that can be made are as follows. First, there has

been a complete failure of the formal medical community, non-profit

organizations and government to adequately research and distribute

information to the public on the nature of the Morgellons condition.

If the samples studied and shown here are in any way representative of

the Morgellons disease, they show that any effort to influence the

public to accept this evidence as being of psychological origin or as

insignificant are disingenuous at the highest level. Any motive of

secrecy and or misinformation is to be confronted directly and

disclosed. The so-called efforts at research by various

organizations, including non-profit, university and government are to

be called into question; there is a serious lack of informing the

public as to the basic nature of the condition. No citizen should be

assuming the risk of attempting to identify the nature of this

illness. The traditional medical community and government health

organizations have already displayed an appalling failure of

addressing the urgency of this matter. I call upon all of those

individuals or groups with the proper resources to strike to the core

of this issue as quickly as possible, and to disclose all results of

the findings to the public as they occur.

 

Clifford E Carnicom

August 12 2006

 

Notes:

Additional research and or information from other sources will be

linked into this report as it becomes available.

Additional commentary of the general state of findings on the

Morgellons issue will be presented at a later date.

The results of this report are of a preliminary nature, and they are

restricted to the materials that have been provided by a single

individual.

 

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