Science and Art Gallery

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

Bacteria found on mobile phone, SEM

Bacteria found on mobile phone. Coloured scanning electron micrograph (SEM) of bacteria cultured from a mobile phone. Tests have revealed the average handset carries 18 times more potentially harmful germs than a flush handle in a men's toilet. With frequent use phones remain warm, creating the ideal breeding ground for bacteria. With touch-screen phones, the same part of the phone touched with fingertips is pressed up against the face and mouth, increasing chances of infection. In tests E. coli, Haemophilus influenzae and MRSA were amongst infectious bacteria found on handsets. Common harmless bacteria include Staphylococcus epidermidis, Micrococcus, Streptococcus viridans, Moraxella, and bacillus species. Magnification: x4000 when printed at 10cm wide

© Science Photo Library

Human eye, illustration

Eye anatomy. Cutaway illustration passing through a human eye, showing its internal anatomy and structure. The front of the eye is at right, and the structures here include the cornea, the pupil (surrounded by the iris), and the lens (oval object). Light passes through these, and is focused on the retina (yellow), a layer of light-sensitive cells and blood vessels lining the inside of the eye. The light triggers signals that are passed through the optic nerve to the brain, where they are interpreted to provide vision. The inside of the eye is filled with a clear gel, the vitreous humour. At top and bottom are the eye muscles (muscles of the orbit, red)