Bacteria, viruses and parasites. Although small, they have dramatic effects on our health. By using a Scanning Electron Microscope, medical scientists at the University of Aberdeen are able to look at detailed images of biological material that cannot be seen through a normal microscope.
A forthcoming microbiology exhibition to be held at Marischal Museum will display a selection from the 14,000 images that have been taken by Biomedical scientists from the University's Department of Medical Microbiology. The photographs will provide an indication of the range of research that is being carried out within the Faculty of Medicine and Medical Sciences and have been colour enhanced.
Debbie Marshall, Chief Biomedical Scientist, Department of Medical Microbiology, said: "When displaying these images, I thought it would be interesting to involve the researchers that I have worked with on projects over the last two years, to highlight their current research. It has certainly been a very interesting time for me to be involved in all the varied work being undertaken within the Faculty."
Neil Curtis, Senior Curator, Marischal Museum, said: "The images are both beautiful and disturbing as you can look at bacteria living on a human tongue or a louse enlarged to hundreds of times its life size. It is also fascinating to see how a blot clot forms and to discover some of the medical research taking place within the University of Aberdeen."
The microbiology exhibition will be open the general public from July 1 throughout the summer, until September 15, and will be held in Marischal Museum. The Museum is open free to the public, Monday to Friday, 10am to 5pm, and Sunday 2-5pm.
For more information about the exhibition, contact Neil Curtis, telephone: (01224) 274301.