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 cyclones

Tropical cyclones over the Indian Ocean, satellite image. North is at top. The coast of Madagascar is at far left (green). The cyclones are (from left- right): Gerry, Hape, 18S and Fiona. A cyclone is a large rotating storm system, forming from strong evaporation over warm tropical waters. This image is a composite of data from the MODIS sensors on NASA's Terra and Aqua satellites. Photographed in February 2003

© NASA/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY