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SEM of a dust mite
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SEM of a dust mite
Dust mite. Coloured scanning electron micrograph (SEM) of a dust mite (Dermatophagoides sp. ). Dust mites are tiny arachnids which live in houses and eat the shed flakes of human skin which comprise a large amount of house dust. They are related to spiders and scorpions. They are invisible due to their small size, but even the cleanest house harbours many thousands living in furniture and fabrics. The head of this mite is at lower left. Its rounded body has several touch-sensitive hairs projecting from it, which act in the same way as cats whiskers. Their dead bodies and excrement can cause asthma and allergic reactions to house- hold dust. Magnification: x170 at 6x7cm size
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Media ID 9331703
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Allergy Arachnida Dermatophagoides Dust Dust Mite Mite Type
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This print showcases the intricate details of a dust mite, captured through a coloured scanning electron microscope (SEM). The image reveals the minuscule arachnid known as Dermatophagoides sp. , commonly referred to as a dust mite. These tiny creatures thrive in our homes, nourishing themselves on the shed flakes of human skin that make up a significant portion of household dust. Despite their invisible nature due to their small size, even the most pristine abodes harbor thousands of these microscopic beings within furniture and fabrics. In this SEM image, we observe the head of the dust mite positioned at the lower left corner. Its rounded body is adorned with numerous touch-sensitive hairs that resemble cat whiskers. These sensory appendages aid in navigating its environment much like how feline whiskers assist cats in maneuvering through tight spaces. While seemingly harmless, it is important to note that both dead bodies and excrement from these creatures can trigger asthma and allergic reactions when present in household dust. This revelation highlights their potential impact on human health. With an impressive magnification level of x170 at 6x7cm size, this photograph offers us a glimpse into an unseen world teeming with life—underscoring once again how intricately connected we are to even the tiniest inhabitants sharing our living spaces.
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