(12/03/2006). The EMPOD (a Scanning Electron Microscope Simulation interactive pod) was launched at the opening of the National Marine Aquarium £3.6 million Explorocean Centre. The EMPOD was developed by i-DAT in collaboration with the Plymouth Electron Microscopy Centre. The web-enabled pod offers interactive explorations of microsopic organisms and incorporates a real (but dormant) Scanning Electron Microscope. The National Marine Aquarium is a charity committed to promoting a sympathetic understanding of the sea through programmes of education, conservation and research. http://www.national-aquarium.co.uk