SCIENCE IS BEAUTIFUL: Disease and Medicine

Our understanding of disease and the powers of medicine today are unparalleled. This stunning collection of the most fascinating microscopic photographs of our diseases along with the medicines we use to treat them are profoundly fascinating and also beautiful. Featured are some of the most illuminating microscopic images of bacteria, viruses and cancers ever captured, potentially fatal diseases such as Ebola, the effects of Malaria on a red blood cell, the presence of E.coli on a dollar bill, morphine crystals, Staphylococcus bacteria and dental plaque shown for their surprising beauty, or the bubonic plague carried by a flea. Other photographs reveal what human cells look like when suffering from Alzheimer's, osteoporosis or from HIV, and the book also uncovers some diseases specific to animals. There are dazzling images of the crystals, powders and potions that we take to cure ourselves, including magnified versions of aspirin, insulin, morphine and caffeine. As beautiful as any artwork, the book can be enjoyed purely as a visual voyage or a better understanding of chromosomes in a cancer cell or the breakdown of painkillers. Each micrograph is accompanied by simple explanations of the cells or chemicals shown, as well as descriptions of the history behind each disease and cure. Incredible, beautiful close-up photography, each image includes the scale of the photography as well as the scientific details in layman's terms. Black paper has been used to enhance the powerful colour images of every shape. A large Batsford publication, 192pp, hundreds of colour images, 12.7 x 20.3cm.