Images Dated 14th May 2003

Anti-cancer drug binding to DNA, AFM

Drug-DNA complexes. Coloured atomic force micrograph (AFM) of plasmids (blue) of DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) bound to the anti-cancer drug ditercalinium. This drug distorts the shape of DNA, which eventually causes the death of affected cells. Distorted regions are yellow here. Plasmids are loops of DNA found in some bacteria and yeast cells that exist separately from the cells chromosomal DNA. They are able to replicate and express their genes independently, and are widely used in genetic research and engineering. Atomic force microscopy produces an image by moving a sensitive tip over a surface. Magnification: x75, 000 at 6x6cm size

© TORUNN BERGE/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY

Artwork of a communications satellite over Earth

Communications satellite. Illustration of a communications satellite orbiting an abstract representation of the Earth or an Earth-like planet. Around the Earth's rim the atmosphere appears as a light blue ring. Communications satellites relay telephone and television signals around the globe. A typical communications satellite orbits with the same period as the rotation of the Earth. The satellite does not appear to move in the sky and is said to be geostationary

© ROGER HARRIS/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY

Tropical Cyclone Erica

Tropical Cyclone Erica (22P), satellite image, on 13 March 2003. North is at top. Erica peaked as a powerful Category 5 cyclone on 12 March 2003. One day later it hit the French Pacific island of New Caledonia. The eye of the cyclone (surrounded by swirls of dense clouds) is seen north-west of New Caledonia, moving to the south. It devastated the western coast of the island, destroying houses, power lines and trees, with winds speeds up to 250 kilometres an hour. At least two people died, and many were injured and left homeless. A cyclone is a large rotating storm system, forming from strong evaporation over warm tropical waters. Image from the MODIS sensor on NASA's Terra satellite

© NASA/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY