Images Dated 25th November 1998

Abstract computer art depicting computer security

Computer data security. Abstract computer artwork of computers in spherical cages above a computer chip landscape. The computers are displaying ones and zeros (binary data). The image depicts computer data security, such as protection from computer viruses. Computer viruses are packets of software that are written by mischievous or criminally-minded programmers to deliberately corrupt computer systems. There are software packages designed to detect and destroy computer viruses. The image could also represent security from computer hackers. Hackers are people who try to access secure data on computer mainframes

© VICTOR HABBICK VISIONS/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY

Coloured SEM of a nerve cell in brain tissue

Nerve cell. Coloured scanning electron micrograph (SEM) of a section through grey matter in the brain, showing a nerve cell (neurone). The nerve cell (blue) consists of a cell body (upper centre) with an axon nerve process or fibre seen leading off it to lower frame. The axon transmits nerve impulses away from the cell body. This nerve cell is embedded in grey matter (yellow) made up of branched dendrite nerve fibres, small support cells and other nerve cells. Dendrites transmit impulses from other nerve cells to this cell body, thereby communicating with this nerve cell. Grey matter in the cortex of the cerebrum of the brain is involved in conscious thought and memory

© STEVE GSCHMEISSNER/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY