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Ovarian cancer

Author name: 
steve gschmeissner
Description: 
Ovarian cancer. Coloured scanning electron micrograph (SEM) of bone tissue from a teratoma tumour. Teratomas are malignant (cancerous) tumours that arise from the germ (sex) cells. Because germ cells are pluripotent, that is they can differentiate into any cell type, tumours contain a mixture of tissues. Bone, hair and teeth may found in the tumour. At centre is an osteoclast (red), a type of bone cell that degrades and reabsorbs bone tissue. This image has been produced by recycling a histological slide for SEM in a novel procedure. Magnification: x5000 when printed at 10 centimetres wide.
Equipment used: 
FEI Quanta FESEM

Awarded "Runner up" in the Spot on Micro Competition 2015

Jury’s comment: 

A menacing image which evokes something predatory lying in wait, something which does not belong in its surroundings. The use of colour adds to this feeling of unease in this image of ovarian cancer.

Ovarian cancer

Full size image: Ovarian cancer