Images Dated 12th January 2004

Red kite, historical artwork

Red kite. Historical artwork of a red kite (Milvus milvus) perched on a branch. This bird of prey inhabits woodland near open country across most of Europe, apart from the northern parts. It feeds on small mammals and carrion. It may reach a length of up to 65 centimetres, with a wingspan of nearly two metres. This artwork was drawn by Archibald Thorburn (1860-1935)

© SHEILA TERRY/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY

Corncrake, historical artwork

Corncrake. Historical artwork of a corncrake, or landrail (Crex crex). This bird differs from its relatives the coot, moorhen and rail in that it does not live in water. Instead it inhabits grasslands throughout much of Europe and Africa. It is a migrant, breeding in Europe and Asia and wintering in Africa and the Mediterranean region. The advent of mechanised agriculture greatly reduced its numbers, as it nests in fields and meadows, and farm machines destroy its nests and eggs. It feeds on seeds and insects, and may reach a length of up to 30 centimetres. Its scientific name is taken from its harsh "crex crex" call. Artwork drawn by Archibald Thorburn (1860-1935)

© SHEILA TERRY/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY

LM of cross-section of artery with atherosclerosis

Atherosclerosis. Light micrograph of a cross section through an artery obstructed with atheroma plaque. The disease is known as atherosclerosis. At right is the lumen (artery cavity) filled with blood cells. Bordering the lumen (at centre) is a fibrous and fatty deposit of plaque on the arterial wall. The artery wall endothelium is the thick wavy line (at left, dark red) and beneath it the tunica media of elastic fibres and muscle cells. Atherosclerosis, the thickening of the artery walls mainly due to a fatty diet high in cholesterol, may result in clot formation or severe artery blockage which can lead to heart attack. Magnification: x64 at 35mm size

© PASIEKA/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY