Art or Science Gallery

Gastropod microfossil, SEM

Gastropod. Coloured scanning electron micrograph (SEM) of a gastropod microfossil from maldives beach sand. Microfossils are roughly 0.05 to 2mm in size. These are the remains of complete organisms, the common ones are foraminifera and ostracods. Magnification: x 80 when printed at 10 centimetres wide

© Science Photo Library

Activated platelets, SEM

Activated platelets. Coloured scanning electron micrograph (SEM) of activated platelets attached to surgical gauze. Platelets are tiny blood cells that help the body form clots to stop bleeding. If a blood vessels gets damaged, it sends out signals that are picked up by platelets. The platelets then rush to the site of damage and form a plug, or clot, to repair the damage. The process of spreading across the surface of a damaged blood vessel to stop bleeding is called adhesion. This is because when platelets get to the site of the injury, they grow sticky tentacles that help them adhere. They also send out chemical signals to attract more platelets to pile onto the clot in a process called aggregation. Magnification: x7000 at 10cm wide

© Science Photo Library

Dermestid beetle, SEM

Dermestid beetle. Scanning electron micrograph (SEM(=) of a dermestid beetle. Dermestidae are a family of Coleoptera that are commonly referred to as skin beetles. Other common names include larder beetle, hide or leather beetles, and carpet beetles. Adult dermestids commonly eat pollen and feed on various flowers. The larvae are the damaging life stage. Dermestids have a variety of habits; most genera are scavengers that feed on dry animal or plant material, such as skin or pollen, animal hair, feathers, dead insects and natural fibers. These beetles are significant in forensic entomology. Some species are pests and can cause extensive damage to natural fibers in homes and businesses. They are used in taxidermy and by natural history museums to clean animal skeletons. Magnification: x 40 at 10cm wide

© Science Photo Library