Images Dated 11th August 2003

Coloured 3-D CT scan of the human spine

Spine. Coloured three-dimensional computed tomography (CT) scan of a healthy human spine, superimposed onto a torso with muscles revealed. The spine (yellow), seen from behind, is made of a column of 33 cylindrical bones called vertebrae. Between the vertebrae are flexible joints that both stabilise the spine and allow movement. Each vertebra has bony projections which provide attachment sites for the muscles and ligaments that hold the spine together. Running through the spine is the spinal cord (not seen), a bundle of nerves from the brain. Three-dimensional CT scans are made by combining multiple X-ray tissue slices using a computer

© Gjlp/Science Photo Library

Japan-Tableware-Lovecup-1

Printempt Ginza department store employee Akiko Fujii displays the heart shaped cup "Love Cup", priced 3, 000 yen (25 USD), in Tokyo 11 August 2003. The lip of the cup is round shape like a normal cup but the body of the cup is shaped the hart which is appeared when the drink is poured into. AFP PHOTO / Yoshikazu TSUNO / AFP PHOTO / YOSHIKAZU TSUNO

© Agence France-Presse (AFP) - All Rights Reserved

Turquoise gemstones

Turquoise gemstones. Turquoise (hydrated copper aluminium phosphate) is the most valuable non- transparent gemstone. Its name, although now related to its colour, comes from a French word for stone of Turkey. Turquoise gems may contain impurities producing other colours, such as green. It has been prized as a gemstone since ancient times, with examples found in early Egyptian jewellery from 6000 BC

© LAWRENCE LAWRY/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY