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| November 14, 2008 | (Use j/k keys to navigate)  Email to a friend  Permalink |
Peering into the micro world
A team of University of Michigan researchers has recently created a set of electron microscope images of carbon nanotube structures depicting images of U.S. President-elect Barack Obama. John Hart, leader of the research team says it wasn't a political statement, but an attempt to draw attention to what is possible these days with nanotechnology, and imaging at the very small scale. I'll take him up on this invitation and share with you some other images of very tiny things in our world. For visualizing the scale, most measurements below are in microns - one micron is a millionth of a meter - human hair is approximately 100 microns thick. (32 photos total)
Images of U.S. President-elect Barack Obama, each made with approximately 150 million tiny carbon nanotubes, are photographed using an electron microscope by University of Michigan Mechanical Engineering Department in this image released to Reuters November 10, 2008. The image, based on an original drawing by Shepard Fairey, is just wider than 500 microns and is made of approximately 150 million tiny carbon nanotubes, which is about the number of Americans who voted on November 4, according to John Hart at University of Michigan. (REUTERS/John Hart, Sameh Tawfick, Michael De Volder, and Will Walker/University of Michigan/Handout)
Squid Suckers, winner of Honorable Mention in the 2008 International Science and Engineering Visualization Awards. Loligo pealei squids have eight arms and two tentacles, all of which are coated with suction-cups, lined with fangs composed of chitin. These tiny suckers, whose diameters are around 400 microns, ultimately allow the half-meter-long squid to get a solid grip on its environment. (Courtesy of Jessica D. Schiffman and Caroline L. Schauer; Drexel University)#
Scanning electron microscope image of a leaf from a Black Walnut tree. Image shows a cross-section of a cut leaf, itsupper epidermal layer, mesophyll layer with palisade cells and vascular bundles, and lower epidermal layer. The protrusion at center is just over 50 microns tall. (Dartmouth Electron Microscope Facility/Dartmouth College)#
Rime on a columnar snow crystal. Contact between the snow crystal and the supercooled droplets in the air resulted in freezing of the liquid droplets onto the surface of the crystal. Observations of snow crystals clearly show cloud droplets measuring up to 50 microns on the surface of the crystal. (Agricultural Research Service, United States Department of Agriculture) #
n this Harvard University photograph released October 8th, 2008, brain cells of a laboratory mouse are shown glowing with multicolor fluorescent proteins at Harvard University in Cambridge, Mass. The Nobel prize in chemistry was awarded to two Americans and a U.S.-based Japanese scientist for research on a glowing jellyfish protein that revolutionized the ability to study disease and normal development in living organisms. (AP Photo/Harvard University, Livett-Weissman-Sanes-Lichtman) #
Winner of an Honorable Mention in Illustration in the 2008 International Science and Engineering Visualization Awards, this is a rendered 3D image of a melanoma cell using data obtained using ion abrasion scanning electron microscopy, a novel approach for imaging mammalian cells at nanometer resolution. (Donald Bliss and Sriram Subramaniam; National Library of Medicine, NIH) #
Under high magnification of 5653x, this scanning electron micrograph depicts the surface of an unidentified insect's compound eye, revealing photoreceptor cells, support cells and pigment cells that make up the repeating hexagonally-shaped units of a compund eye known as "ommatidia". (CDC/Janice Carr) #
This scanning electron micrograph shows the exoskeletal morphology found on one of the six legs of an unidentified hornet found in the suburbs of Decatur, Georgia. Under a magnification of 87X, what this SEM reveals is the anatomical configuration of what is termed the leg's "tarsal chain", which comprises the tarsus, and pretarsus or claw. (CDC/Janice Carr) #
At a magnification of 765X, this scanning electron micrograph reveals morphologic details found at the tip of this adult figeater beetle's maxillary galea, which due to its shape, was given this Latin name for "helmet". The galea is located just medial to another, more prominent maxillary appendage, the palpus. Note the concave configuration at the distal tip of the galea, and how there are numerous pointed protuberances inside this concavity, which are most probably sensorial in nature. (CDC/Janice Carr) #
Description: At a magnification of 1504x, this scanning electron micrograph shows features of an Anopheles dirus mosquito's antennae. In this particular view, only the first two (of three) segments of the left antenna are visible. Covered with sensorial "hairs", which aren't really hairs at all, but exoskeletal chitinous extensions, known as "setae", they provide feedback to the mosquito as to chemical, thermal, and tactile changes in its environment. (CDC/Janice Carr) #
n this Harvard University photograph released October 8th, 2008, brain cells of a laboratory mouse are shown glowing with multicolor fluorescent proteins at Harvard University in Cambridge, Mass. The Nobel prize in chemistry was awarded to two Americans and a U.S.-based Japanese scientist for research on a glowing jellyfish protein that revolutionized the ability to study disease and normal development in living organisms. (AP Photo/Harvard University, Livett-Weissman-Sanes-Lichtman) #
Under a low magnification of 58X this scanning electron micrograph shows some of the exoskeletal morphologic characteristics displayed on the head region of an unidentified beetle. What appears to be hairs are actually sensorial organs known as "setae", which provide the organism with information about its environment including changes in temperature, wind direction, and chemical queues, i.e., pheromones. (CDC/Janice Carr) #
This scanning electron micrograph shows the "scape", or the first segment of an unidentified mosquito's left antenna magnified 500X. Note that the central region of the scape is concave, where the second segment of the antenna, known as the "pedicle" will interlock. The grape-like ommatidia surrounding the scape are the functional units of its compound eyes. (CDC/Janice Carr)#
Pictured is a breast cancer cell, photographed by a scanning electron microscope. This picture shows the overall shape of the cell's surface at a very high magnification. Cancer cells are best identified by internal details, but research with a scanning electron microscope can show how cells respond in changing environments and can show mapping distribution of binding sites of hormones and other biological molecules. (National Cancer Institute) #
More links and information
Dartmouth Electron Microscope Facility - Dartmouth College
Nanobama - official site
Snowsite micrographs of snow crystals
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These make me feel as humble as looking at stars. As above - so below. Fabulous. Life is irresistible. Humans are transitory. Enjoy it while we can.
Muy buenas. Gracias
Another great feature. This is the best photo blog in the world. Every time a post comes up it shows all of us another spectacular view of the world.
These images are wondrous!
Les plus belles choses sont dans la nature, même là où on ne les soupçonne pas !
Go Drexel! Bravo Jessica and Caroline :) :) :)
Fascinating! There's so much detail in the world that we can't even see.
it took me 45 minutes to get through these pictures. The image of the cells of a facet of a multifaceted eye blue my mind!
awesome microworld!
If you read about a creature with a nose between its eyes, and the a pair of arms protruding on the sides of that nose, you would think this Sci Fi writer is mad, but the weevil, #3, looks just like that. Good stuff the whole lot.
jaleb boood !
Very Nice !
Astounding photographs...just goes to to show ya...the micro world is just as complicated and beautiful as the universe..I rank these right up there with the pictures from the Hubble Space Telescope...GREAT JOB
Wow, amazingly beuatiful
uah... now im scared ;)
nice - like all of photos here, all the time. thank you.
Neat!
Awesome pictures! The materials scientist part of me is screaming for scale-bars though. Magnification numbers just don't cut it.
Those are amazing pictures, #29 is so scary, I can imagine that burrowing through my skin...
One of my favorites thus far
Tolko sinee, vso ostalnoe brak.
nature rule!
Thank you ... there's so much of God's creation at the micro level that remains unexplored. This beats NASA hands down. Thank you again.
Two things, I am thankful to live in a time when we can see past our own “measure” and we use electrons to make these images yet we have never took a picture of one cool huh.
The micro world is fascinating and so complex!
I don't think you've done a presentation on the macro universe. For instance:
Chandra deep field view of all the galaxies in just a very small section of the sky, like here:
http://www.eso.org/public/outreach/press-rel/pr-2008/phot-39-08.html
I use this as desktop wallpaper.
Fascinating pictures of live.
ha,i would've loved to read but the pictures seemed to be looking right back at me i got so scccaaaaaarrrrrrrrrrrrrreeeeeeeeeeedddd
I think I saw Whoville on one of the photos!
These are great.
Who could ever deny the facts of existance?
Thanks for those who show us the lovely aspect of our world .......and.....
the tissues, structures and patrons are f-a-s-c-i-n-a-t-i-n-g ! thanks again for sharing.
It is unbelievable!
I now truly understand why pollen makes me miserable!
Amazing shots
I am so glad I stumbled onto this website. It is tremendously informative and fascinating. I will return time and again. Thanks.
I am amazed for what God has done!!! Incredible creativity...
Amazing to see things with these electron microscopes as a change from the normal shots posted that some of us photographers could see ourselves shooting.
So wonderful ! Thanks for sharing this pictures !
xtra cool !
nature knows more than us about us!
got to looove these sci-photos!
it makes you think, who rules this place!
10x a bunch!
So wonderful ! Thanks for sharing this pictures !
Wonderful images. Thanks Posted by November 18.08 18:30PM
Pretty amazing, and beautiful! To think...nature did all this.
A wonder to behold, makes you give your head a shake and gets you thinking about what we still can't see in our microscopic universe.
Wow, a whole new world life aoround us. This is just amzing, unbelievable, beautiful; it is a REAL new science work. Keep up the GREAT work!
its a great content dear.....
hello.
your pictures are very wonderful
taban ghodrat co.
1-farzad moghadam
2-hossein pour
3-tahami
Nothing compares with the beauty and complexity of God's creation.
How can we compare the outstanding skyscrapers built by Men, with the beauty and complexity of God's creation above? It is incomparable.
it's very amazing.Other world in our.Thanks for all
Horton Hears a Who much?
I think I saw Jojo.
~lox
I'm frightened...hold me.
The beauty of the micro...nothing is insignificant. I would love to have a large print of 10 & 24 on my wall. Leonardo could not concieve of such beauty. Thank you God, for all creation!
GOD IS GREAT
"GOD IS GREAT"
I disagree, it is nature which is great. Not to mention the science that reveals it. God has nothing to do with it. Don't you think the universe is cool enough as it is, without having to invent stuff about it?
"GOD IS GREAT"
I disagree, it is nature which is great. Not to mention the science that reveals it. God has nothing to do with it. Don't you think the universe is cool enough as it is, without having to invent stuff about it?
Right : " The end of believe is the beginning of Intelligence" !
whoa! # 2 made me jump out of my seat!!
Fascinating, and it's no wonder why we sometimes get sick.
This is stunning.!! It just goes to show how "Life is Beautiful!" In this day and age when we pay little attention to our planet and its inhabitants, I am thankful that there are humans out there that remind us how precious life truely is, NO MATTER HOW SMALL.
Its very nice to see the images from the micro world. Micro photography is one of the evolving art form. and it may be the art of future.
The law of nature is extremely Fascinating. But it is not a law from the god or other mere concepts. Thanks very much for sharing these images for the world.
Thanks again.
nice simple repeatitive patterns as in art form also actually are in the micro world. An art form and combination of natural contrasting and mixup colors...shashi shrivastava
Great pictures, but they are creepy!
My deepest admiration and grateful respect for those dedicated humans who explore this incredible world/universe for the rest of us to enjoy. Thank you, Ladies and Gentlemen!
I am reminded of a study that dealt with the human brain's problem with dealing with huge numbers, or in this case very small numbers, hence the human tendency to compare things to familiar scenarios (i.e. saying 3 empire state buildings tall, or using AU when dealing with planetary distance) Most people, myself included, have a hard time appreciating how small 50 microns really is.
That being said, what's up with all the bugs? Give these scientists a million dollar electron microscope and that's all they can think of to use it on? I'd use that thing so much on just random objects that the power bill would insane.
Bufffffffffffffffffffff que bueno
{"GOD IS GREAT"
I disagree, it is nature which is great. Not to mention the science that reveals it. God has nothing to do with it. Don't you think the universe is cool enough as it is, without having to invent stuff about it?}
Thank you.
It is refreshing to know that there are others who can enjoy the beauty of nature's reality without invoking the imaginary.
brillliant & amazing it's very interested the algae is wonderful
I am amazed at some of the comments by some people. It's we realized that God is behind all of this.
That was a bit interesting, but a bit gross at the same time.
these should made you think of the creator of all these ....
Amazing! these designs point to a Designer.
I thought it is George Washington in the first photo.
All of the pictures are fascinating and some of them are frightening :)
AWESOME
First of all, thank you for these images, they are lovely and provide means to ponder for those with minds.
As for the interesting previous posts:
"I disagree, it is nature which is great. Not to mention the science that reveals it. God has nothing to do with it. Don't you think the universe is cool enough as it is, without having to invent stuff about it?" Gustav Nyström
No Gustav, science does not go against belief in a creator/designer, a God, after all things don't just "invent themselves" in a very ordered manner and go hand in hand with other creations in harmony. If they had made themselves each creation would have followed its own pattern and there would be chaos (no coordination) and we wouldnt be able to survive cohesively. Not to mention that many referred their collective fascination in these images to 'nature', which is an instinctual monotheistic reaction to direct the creation to one source (i.e: God)
Founder Riddle : " The end of believe is the beginning of Intelligence"
40:57 Assuredly the creation of the heavens and the earth is a greater (matter) than the creation of men: Yet most men understand not.
This is from the Quran: text dating back 1400 years ago (transcendent from God to humanity), never changed. These images: modern technology. Both are forms of knowledge, connect both ends and you get belief.
30:29 But nay - they who are bent on evildoing follow but their own desires, without having any knowledge (of the truth). [23] And who could guide those whom God has [thus] let go astray, and who (thereupon) have none to succour them? [24]
30:30 So set thou thy face steadily and truly to the Faith: (establish) Allah's handiwork according to the pattern on which He has made mankind: no change (let there be) in the work (wrought) by Allah; that is the standard Religion, but most among mankind understand not.
"The law of nature is extremely Fascinating. But it is not a law from the god or other mere concepts." Navaneeth Krishnan, Kerala
So far, nothing has been added here but opinions not established on any form of knowledge. I would really recommend everybody to take their time reading about what surrounds them, especially before making statements. Life is short, you should not let yourself be stubborn and never know if you were wrong until life is over.
Thank you again for the images, they are very fascinating, and they aslo make me feel so small in this world.
Here are these miracles to see and what I do not see is any reason to argue further than what we see. God-no god? Creation-evolution? our arguments about origins are man-made. Our conclusions are personal.
Ladies and gentlemen, respect for one another please. And let's not imagine we mammals have the final answer.
beautiful :-)
thank you so much !
amaizing
@93-- I think I agree. However I am tired of getting crap crammed down my throat everywhere I go with no mutual respect.
This planet was here long before we evolved on it and will be here (despite our mucking about) long after. We mammals aren't the final answer - nor do we have it- this is true.
@ 94-- yes science is beautiful
G-d is great. Let's appreciate His creations.
Wow...so beautiful...
sick!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Who said "I can just imagine"
wow
God's world is amazing
if people believe evolution did this, they are stupid.
Absolutely Fantastic!!! How Awesome is our God!!!
beautiful images. shame about the overly medical language - trichomes? maxillary galea?? english next time please!
great ! very great pictures!!
fantastico
Kennesaw Mountain Magnet Biology Block #2 absolutely adores these micrographs :]
You people keep misspelling chemistry, there is no G or O or D in it.
Now I know where movie world get all their ideas for bizarre monster images... very cool!
Amazing how many evolutionary pathways have developed. It's as if life is unstoppable -- and perhaps not just here...
Sapere aude
Thank you very much to all people involved in making and sharing these pictures.
Some of the comments here makes me sad though.
I feel so sad for all who think the wonders of our universe were created by an angry King Goblin by the name of Javeh The Jealous.
They will never truly understand or love anything - because they have to filter it through the ideas of an old fairytail. Stories made by a frightend self-aware animal - a naked dancing and singing ape on a very small planet.
Beautyful images and very interesting...as of the creacionist/evolucionist discussions - it doesnt surprise me that so many people believe in god (of any nature),it makes life easier for them, I have only pity for them because they blind themselves with their belief...
Exactly, Aylar and Everydaysawonder says true!
And this forum is so predictive about our society.
I havent feel anything in common with mindless religionists...
it would be more effective, illustrative & inclusive to use mm instead of microns ( which *cannot* be visualized by any normal people ) in all such imagiary, and also using every-day terms to *explain* instead of jargon to exclude ( but to specialists only, identify ).
This could have been much more interesting to much more of our world's people...
absolutely amazing !!!
Certamente muito Belo!!!. Fantastico como as coisas sao estruturadas
THIS IS AWSOME!!!!!
just i will send these quran verses to atheist :
Look what your lord say :
"If thou couldst see when they are set before their Lord! He will say: Is not this real? They will say: Yea, verily, by our Lord! He will say: Taste now the retribution for that ye used to disbelieve.
the penalty, because ye rejected Faith."
31. Lost indeed are they who treat it as a falsehood that they must meet Allah,- until on a sudden the hour is on them, and they say: "Ah! woe unto us that we took no thought of it"; for they bear their burdens on their backs, and evil indeed are the burdens that they bear?
Therefore, the seeker after the truth is not one who studies the writings of the ancients and, following his natural disposition, puts his trust in them, but rather the one who suspects his faith in them and questions what he gathers from them, the one who submits to argument and demonstration, and not to the sayings of a human being whose nature is fraught with all kinds of imperfection and deficiency. Thus the duty of the man who investigates the writings of scientists, if learning the truth is his goal, is to make himself an enemy of all that he reads, and, applying his mind to the core and margins of its content, attack it from every side. He should also suspect himself as he performs his critical examination of it, so that he may avoid falling into either prejudice or leniency -Alhazen
These creationists believe their delusion so well they say with total stupidity that who thinks evolution did this is not sane.We are in 2009 and there are still people doubting, contradicting evolution and still ignorantly blaming everything to a non existent 2000 years ago fairy tale hero.
Maravilhoso!! Muito interessante!
Good morning. I have very strong feelings about how you lead your life. You always look ahead, you never look back.
I am from Bhutan and too poorly know English, tell me right I wrote the following sentence: "Sythroid is a great thyroid hormone with no detectable side."
Thank you very much :-D. Thomasina.
Up in the northeast here, being attacked by mosquitoes, I found this site looking for SEM images of these little winged parasites. I'm still slapping, but with a new respect for these ancient, mother hunters!
What a wonderful collection of a life all around us we can see. Is there no end to the complexity of life's design?