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Replica of human skin with perspiration/vapour entrapments

Author name: 
Paul Gunning
Affiliation: 
Smith & Nephew Research Centre
Description: 
Human skin replicated using dental impression compound; ‘blue’ features are perspiration globules and/or air/water vapour bubbles entrapped by the compound. Replicas enable rapid ‘sampling’ of tissue without using a scalpel or biopsy punch. They also allow repeated ‘snapshots’ of the same area, but need thought; air bubbles or real features?
Equipment used: 
FEI Nova NanoSEM 200 Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscope. 5kV, Spot 2.5, Stage tilted, Image width 2.98mm

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

Jury’s comment: 

This magnified cast of human skin shows perspiration and possible vapour entrapments arranged as though in a surreal landscape. The dark balls of moisture appear to glow and the folds and lines in the ‘skin’ are bathed in light and shadow which adds to the leather-like textural feel.

Replica of human skin with perspiration/vapour entrapments