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Photomacrograph of green mould on spoilt food. Moulds are fungi that live on plant and animal matter and need moisture to thrive and grow. Some moulds growing in the right conditions can produce poisonous substances which if ingested can make you sick. Mouldy food may also have bacteria growing alongside which can also cause food poisoning. Width of image is 5 mm.

Mould on food

Scanning electron micrograph of fungal spores on the surface of a fig. Fungi live on plant and animal matter and need moisture to thrive and grow. Some moulds growing in the right conditions can produce poisonous substances which if ingested can make you sick. Mouldy food may also have bacteria growing alongside which can also cause food poisoning. Width of image is 500 micrometres.

Fungal spores on the surface of a fig, SEM

High resolution confocal micrograph of cells infected with candida yeast. Yeast cells and hyphae (branching, filamentous fungal structures) are stained green while actin (stained red) showing areas of actin polymerisation in response to the infection. Overgrowth of yeasts can result in fungal infections such as thrush (candidiasis). Width of image is 245 micrometres.

Cells infected with candida yeast, LM

Scanning electron micrograph of fungal spores on the surface of a fig. Fungi live on plant and animal matter and need moisture to thrive and grow. Some moulds growing in the right conditions can produce poisonous substances which if ingested can make you sick. Mouldy food may also have bacteria growing alongside which can also cause food poisoning. Width of image is 250 micrometres.

Photomacrograph of black bread mould (Rhizopus stolonifer). Moulds are fungi that live on plant and animal matter and need moisture to thrive and grow. This particular thread-like fungus absorbs nutrients from moist food matter such as bread and soft fruits. Rhizopus stolonifer can also be found in other habitats such as soil and fresh decaying litter, where it plays an important role in decomposition. Width of image is 2 cm.

Black bread mould (Rhizopus stolonifer)

Reconstruction of part of the nervous system in a fruit fly (Drosophila melanogaster) larva. Neural circuits were digitally reconstructed from serial section transmission electron micrographs through an abdominal segment of the nervous system. This image shows a lateral view of neurones and neuronal synapses in the neuropil (area in the grey matter of the central nervous system where neurones form connections with each other) of a segment of the nerve cord. A single axon from a sensory neurone that senses vibration (a chordotonal) is visible in yellow. Each coloured line belongs to the skeletonised representation of a neuronal branch (arbor). The points of contact between two neurones, the synapses, are shown in solid blue (input side) and solid red (output side). The transparent orange spheres represent labelled points of interest on the skeletons of the neurones, such as the presence of mitochondria and other features. Horizontal width of image is approximately 15 micrometres. Wellcome Image Awards 2015.

Nervous system in a fruit fly larva, serial section TEM

Photomacrograph of nylon fibres. Nylon is a synthetic, man-made plastic, made from chemical sources such as oil or coal, and was one of the first commercially viable synthetic fibres. With its properties of strength, elasticity, durability and resistance to mould and insect damage, nylon is used in textiles for clothing, in home furnishings (carpets and upholstery) and for industrial use (ropes, cords and nets). Width of image is 1 mm.

Nylon fibres

Photomacrograph of silk fibres. Silk is a natural fibre produced by the silkworm. The silkworm is the caterpillar (or larva) of the silk moth Bombyx mori, which makes silk fibres and spins these into a protective cocoon around itself in order to transform into a moth. These natural protein fibres are strong, supple, insulating, absorbing, and have good lustre, making them popular for use in textiles. Rearing silkworms in order to produce silk is called sericulture. Width of image is 2 mm.

Silk fibres

Indian tailor and wife. Gouache drawing.

Light micrograph of lens tissue used for cleaning microscope lenses. Lens tissue is composed of microfibres which effectively remove dirt and oil from the surface of an optical component. This image was captured using brightfield illumination and detecting autofluorescence.

Lens tissue, LM

Photomacrograph of wool fibres. Wool is a natural fibre obtained from the fur coats of sheep and other animals such as goats, alpacas and rabbits. With its properties of durability, insulation, breathability and elasticity, wool is used in textiles for clothing. It is also biodegradable and decomposes in a short period of time. Width of image is 2 mm.

Wool fibres

Moorish tailor and wife offering him betel leaves. Gouache drawing.

1 print : engraving ; image and border 31.9 x 41.4 cm

Textiles: two patterns for embroidery (top), a woman winding thread (below). Engraving by R. Benard after Radel.

Photomacrograph of cotton fibres. Cotton is a natural fibre obtained from the cotton plant (Gossypium). White fluffy lint is obtained from the seeds and spun into thread. With its properties of breathability, absorbency and strength, cotton is used in textiles for example to making clothing and home furnishings. It can also be found in paper, rope, cellophane, photographic film, nail polish, moulded plastic and solid fuel rockets. Width of image is 5 mm.

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Mould on food

Fungal spores on the surface of a fig, SEM

Cells infected with candida yeast, LM

Fungal spores on the surface of a fig, SEM

Black bread mould (Rhizopus stolonifer)

Nervous system in a fruit fly larva, serial section TEM

Nylon fibres

Silk fibres

Indian tailor and wife. Gouache drawing.

Lens tissue, LM

Wool fibres

Moorish tailor and wife offering him betel leaves. Gouache drawing.

Textiles: two patterns for embroidery (top), a woman winding thread (below). Engraving by R. Benard after Radel.

Cotton fibres

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Wellcome uses cookies.

Mould on food

Fungal spores on the surface of a fig, SEM

Cells infected with candida yeast, LM

Fungal spores on the surface of a fig, SEM

Black bread mould (Rhizopus stolonifer)

Nervous system in a fruit fly larva, serial section TEM

Nylon fibres

Silk fibres

Indian tailor and wife. Gouache drawing.

Lens tissue, LM

Wool fibres

Moorish tailor and wife offering him betel leaves. Gouache drawing.

Textiles: two patterns for embroidery (top), a woman winding thread (below). Engraving by R. Benard after Radel.

Cotton fibres

Stay in the know

Wellcome collectionWellcome Collection

Finding us:

Opening times:

Today's opening times

Wellcome collection