CMSP's Cool Image of the Day

Is it possible to create an x-ray of a school bus?

Sure if the bus is a small toy!

This toy was subjected to radiographic imaging to accentuate the role its structure has. A normal x-ray machine was used. The film has been enhanced digitally with color and the background has been removed.

This is a cool looking image and that is why you see it here on CMSP's Cool Image of the Day Blog.

CMSP's Cool Image of the Day

Nuclear magnetic resonance scan, MRI, of the spine.

There are five lumbar vertebrae located in the lower back . They receive the most stress and are the weight bearing portion of the back.

Your lower back is the part of the body designed to support the weight of that bowling-ball rolling around on its atlas and axis vertebrae.

When you keep your head up, you alleviate pressure from your lower back, you relieve your lower spine of some overtime it would otherwise have to put in. If you do yoga, and your yoga instructor reminds you to keep your head up the whole time when doing the Forward Fold until you reach the pose, the reason is to keep pressure off your lower spine.

When looking for spine images, CMSP has got your back.

CMSP's Cool Image of the Day

Desert peach is a useful shrub for revegetating desert roadsides because of the ornamental value of its abundant, pale pink to rose-colored flowers, which typically appear much earlier than those of most associated shrub species.

The Pauites made a medicinal tea from the leaves and twigs of this shrub that was used to treat colds and rheumatism.

Livestock consume the foliage primarily in the spring and immediately after rainy periods. It is moderately palatable to sheep and goats during intervals of increased moisture availability.

Custom Medical Stock Photo has a huge selection of botany images available for commercial and editorial use. Call CMSP at 773-267-3100 for help finding the image you need.

CMSP's Cool Image of the Day

Either this person didn't want someone to find this key or he was really hungry.

In a related story (only relation is the key) a college student at Bournemouth University in Dorset in England was attending a party and had a bit too much to drink. When his friends insisted that he go home, he swallowed his key so that he could stay. One of his friends attempted the Heimlich maneuver, and other tried to induce vomiting with salt water, but the key remained. The boy received medical attention, but was advised to let the key pass naturally. It came out, and he put it back on his keyring after cleaning.

The CMSP library includes several foreign objects ingested by people (people that become patients). Things like jacks, coins, washers and paper clips.

CMSP's Cool Image of the Day

Scientists have found a potential way to prevent blood clots which can cause heart attacks. They believe the discovery could aid the development of better heart attack prevention and treatment. The key is to remove a particular protein - PKC alpha - from specialist blood cells called platelets which play a key role in the formation of clots.

The University of Bristol in the UK announced the study, carried out in mice, appears in the Journal of Clinical Investigation.

Blood clots perform an essential function, limiting blood loss from a wound. However, when they form in diseased arteries feeding the heart they can be life-threatening, causing a heart attack. Current anti-clotting medicines, such as aspirin, reduce the risk of heart attack - but in some people can also cause excessive and dangerous bleeding.

Platelets are small cells in the blood that sense when a blood vessel has been damaged. They rapidly become very sticky, and form a protective plaster over the site of damage. In a patient with heart disease, fatty plaques build up in the walls of the arteries feeding the heart. If an artery ruptures the platelets clump together at the site of damage and can block the vessel, which can cause a heart attack. Now go out an order a double cheeseburger with bacon and fries.

I hope you are enjoying Custom Medical Stock Photo's Cool Image of the Day Blog.

CMSP's Cool Image of the Day

Scientists have spent decades working out which parts of the brain are responsible for different functions, and how cells manage different activities. Original theories suggested the memories were retained by multiple cells forming "circuits" around which electrical impulses were fired for the necessary period.

More recent ideas have centered around the concept that even an individual cell could somehow hold on to information. Researchers from the University of Texas Southwestern looked at brain cells taken from mice using tiny electrodes to measure their function. They found that a particular component of the cells in question, a chemical receptor, which, when switched on, tells the cell to start an internal signal system that holds the "memory" in place.

The next step, they say, is to find out more about this internal system so that it could be targeted by drugs with the aim of improving memory.

CMSP's Cool Image of the Day

Pictured in today's blog shows bacteria (the white stuff) on the tongue of a young male. This is CMSP picture 108-2082.

Bacteria settles and resides in areas and valleys of your tongue where a toothbrush cannot reach. However, regular brushing notably at night can prevent them from taking root. High protein foods tend to encourage the bacteria that turn your tongue white.

CMSP features thousands on clinical images. Call the CMSP office if you need assistance finding the perfect image for your project.

I'll bet you will brush your teeth tonight! Don't forget your tongue!!!

CMSP's Cool Image of the Day

As a body of research grows scientists are able to determine more and more about the nature of the subject they are studying. In many parts of the world researchers are studying ways to improve human life by using stem cells.

The California Institute for Regenerative Medicine, created and funded by the passage of Proposition 71 in 2004, has invested $625 million in stem cell research, aimed primarily at basic science and laboratory construction. That investment, and the promise of a $3 billion funding stream over 10 years, has given universities and research institutes the confidence to create new stem cell programs

CMSP has numerous images of stem cell research and stem cells themselves.

CMSP's Cool Image of the Day

A major shift in policy on Stem Cell research is widely expected now that President Barack Obama has taken office.

The president is expected to lift restrictions on federal funding of embryonic stem cell research.

The theory is that by injecting glial cells into the spinal cord of newly paralysed patients, it might give paralyzed patients some improvement in function.

Stanford University spinal cord injury expert Graham Creasey, a British doctor who has worked in the US for many years, is optimistic that stem cell research will be stepped up under a Barack Obama presidency. He is more cautious than his patients, but nonetheless believes stem cells will lead to effective treatments.

"Throughout all of recorded history a broken neck or back has led to permanent paralysis and there's now hope that we may be able to improve that - perhaps not complete cures right away - but improve some function, and that's what really matters" says Creasey. "It's important that we don't have false hopes but there is real promise."

Professor Creasey believes spinal cord injury is a very good model for stem cell research. "It's more like mending a cable than mending a computer, and if you were to see improvement in patients who had been paralyzed for years, then you'd know pretty well that it was a result of the treatment."

Please visit CMSP for medical, science and healthcare pictures.

It's Friday! Have a great weekend!

CMSP's Cool Image of the Day

Cleaner Air 'Adds Months to Life'

Air pollution was measured for two decades, study says.

Cuts in air pollution in US cities over recent decades have added an average of five months of life to their inhabitants, research suggests. The New England Journal of Medicine study matched air pollution and life expectancy statistics from 51 cities between 1980 and 2000.

Scientists found people living 2.72 years longer by 2000 - 15% of which they attributed to falls in pollution. Studies have found poor air quality can worsen lung and heart disease.

Meeting stricter emissions targets may reduce this burden by nearly a half, some experts have suggested. The study, carried out between Brigham Young University and Harvard School of Public Health, used advanced statistical models to separate out the various other factors behind changes in life expectancy, such as smoking and wealth, as well as to account for migration to and from the cities studied.

The research focused on "PM 2.5" pollution - which measured levels of tiny particles with a diameter one-twentieth of the width of a human hair. These fine particles can travel deeply into the lungs, and have been linked with the worsening of asthma and heart disease.

The researchers found that in those cities with the biggest shift from polluted to clean air, this had yielded an average of 10 more months lifespan to its residents.
For every decrease of 10 micrograms per cubic meter of particulate pollution, life expectancy increased by more than seven months. In some of the previously heaviest-polluted cities, such as Pittsburgh and Buffalo, the fall was close to 14 micrograms per cubic meter.

See more pollution photos on CMSP.com.

Today's Cool Image of the Day can be found here.

Breathe deep and enjoy the day.

CMSP's Cool Image of the Day

Stem Cells will be in the news over the next few months. CMSP has a beautiful collection of images of stem cells for use in magazines, websites and news programs.

This image is 156-2104

Stem cells are cells found in most, if not all, multi-cellular organisms. They are characterized by the ability to renew themselves through mitotic cell division and differentiating into a diverse range of specialized cell types.

Enjoy the day.

CMSP's Cool Image of the Day

Today's Cool Image absolutely cracks me up. Notice the name tag. Hello, My name is Barack Obama.

This image was taken of then Illinois State Senator Barack Obama during an anti-war protest in Chicago on March 16, 2003. One of our favorite photogs took this gem. Thanks Todd Bannor.

A name tag was needed just 5 years ago. From obscurity to Presidency in just 5 years.

Don't bother calling the CMSP office, or just about any office during the inauguration today. Some of us will be watching the festivities at Paddy O'Splaines Bar and Restaurant in Chicago.

Finally, 1-20-09 is here. So long George. Don't let the door hit you in the ass on the way out.

CMSP's Cold Image of the Day

Speaking of inaugurations, back in February 1861, president-elect Abe Lincoln left Springfield, Illinois for Washington DC. He rode the train, much like today's president-elect did this past week.

This cool image might be a rare image. Supposedly, the picture is of a diorama that was created and set-up in a Chicago History museum many years ago. CMSP received a set of images years ago of Lincoln and his political life from a collector.

Enjoy this historic week.

CMSP's Cold Image of the Day

Today's Cool Image, or cold image, shows the natural visual effect called "Sun Dog" (not Slum Dog - that's a movie). It is sort of an ice rainbow in the winter haze.

Sun Dog, or sundog, happens when ice crystals in the upper atmosphere align themselves while falling with the flat side down. As a result very beautiful light refractions occur. These beautiful structures may take apparently strange halo shapes.

Sundogs often are a forecaster of bad weather and occurs in cold temperatures.

Also called solar parhelia. Usually cirrus clouds in front of the sun produce sun dogs but other clouds may as well.

Custom Medical Stock Photo has an extensive weather photo collection, Call CMSP for free research to help you find the perfect photo for your project.

Great news, it is supposed to warm up to 7 degrees F later today. Get the fur lined speedos out!

CMSP's Cold Image of the Day

This picture of Chicago and a frozen Lake Michigan is from a few years ago. Sorry, there is little chance I'm going out on a boat today to get a new photo. The temp was -8 degrees Fahrenheit when I left my house this morning. That is -30 degrees with the wind chill.

It is soooooo cold in Chicago today, the transportation department has to put heaters on the switches of the "L" tracks so they wont freeze. Otherwise the trains in the city would come to a stand still.

Ok, its your turn. Its so cold today ............. (you can create your own sentence by clicking on Comment).

Here's one, It's so cold out my dog will have to walk herself tonight.

If you want to browse other cool images, be sure to check out CMSP.com. Have a warm day.

CMSP's Cool Image of the Day

It is so cold today and tomorrow is supposed to be REALLY cold here in Chicago. So for today's Cool Picture I did a search on CMSP.com using the word "cold"

This frog image came up because they are "cold blooded." That's funny. So am I (today).

Frogs are cold blooded creatures and love to sun themselves during the day. Wood frogs are found from Alaska to the East coast on the Northern part of the United States. They are a very ubiquitous species of frog. Mating wood frogs Amphibian reproduction, it doesn't get any better than this.

Click the comment link and post a clever caption. I'll start off with the following: It was love at first sight.

CMSP's Cool Image of the Day

Legionnaires disease first outbreak was at a convention for ex-service personnel in Philadelphia USA in 1976. A total of 221 people contracted the disease and 34 died.

Most of those that died were legionnaires and that is how the disease got its name.

Today's image shows bilateral pneumonia in the middle and inferior lobe on the right and in the inferior lobe on the left. See this image on CMSP's website here 360-289.

CMSP's Cool Image of the Day

Today's Cool Image is of a Linne West Crown Conch. Anyone up for Conch Soup?

The patterns on the shells of tropical sea snails are not only compellingly beautiful but also tell a tale of biological development. The decorative patterns are records of their own growth which follows laws like many patterns in nature.

See this image at CMSP by clicking image 344-359.

CMSP's Cool Image of the Day

Times Square, New York City in 1958.

NYC was a booming and busy town in the 1950s.

The United States saw the advent of NASA. The Tomb for the Unknown Soldiers of World War II and Korean wars was created. Elvis received his draft notice and the Soviet Union launched Sputnik 3.

This image was taken by my father from his office on 42nd street. It can be found on CMSP's website here 093-63.jpg.

CMSP's Cool Image of the Day

This colorized scanning electron micrograph (SEM) shows a lymphocyte (light blue in color), a white blood cell originally formed in lymphoid tissue. Lymphocytes compromise 33% of the white blood cells found in adult human peripheral blood. The two major types of lymphocytes are b-lymphocytes formed in the bone marrow and t-lymphocytes formed in the thymus.

Also seen is a red blood cell (RBC), a bi-concave disc-shaped cell which functions as an oxygen carrier.

This image can be seen on CMSP's website here 061-20.

Have a great day!

CMSP's Cool Image of the Day

This colorized scanning electron micrograph (SEM) shows a lymphocyte (light blue in color), a white blood cell originally formed in lymphoid tissue. Lymphocytes compromise 33% of the white blood cells found in adult human peripheral blood. The two major types of lymphocytes are b-lymphocytes formed in the bone marrow and t-lymphocytes formed in the thymus.

Also seen is a red blood cell (RBC), a bi-concave disc-shaped cell which functions as an oxygen carrier.

This image can be seen on CMSP's website here 061-20.

Have a great day!

CMSP's Cool Image of the Day

Today is January 8. The birth date of Elvis Presley. Pictured is former US president Richard Nixon shaking hands with Elvis.

Elvis is the undisputed king of rock and roll. Elvis Aaron Presley changed the world with his charismatic personality, classic music and unforgettable performances.

This picture, Z218-XXX-1715 can be found on CMSP's website.

This is one cool image. Perfect for today's Cool Image of the Day!!!!!

CMSP's Cool Image of the Day

Today's Cool Picture of the Day is of a Scanning Electron Micrograph of a used KITCHEN DISHCLOTH. THE PINK RODS SHOW BACTERIA GROWING ON THE DISH CLOTH.

This shows why it is important to wash your dish cloth in hot water. The easiest way is to place the cloth inside the dishwasher.

See today's image on CMSP.com here 156-2539

CMSP's Cool Image of the Day

Kauai is a natural beauty and one of the Hawaiian islands. With a warm tropical climate producing vast amounts of rain the forests growth is limitless and restricted only by overcrowding. Plants have adapted to grow anywhere they have opportunity sometimes ending up in the most unlikely places. These ferns hang from a canyon wall and ceiling. They compete in a never ending struggle for light, water and territory.

Custom Medical Stock Photo represents hundreds of images in our botany files of plants, biomes, algae and fungi.

CMSP's Cool Image of the Day

Hockey outside in Chicago. For the first time in history, Wrigley Field will host a professional hockey game between the Chicago Blackhawks and Detroit Redwings. The ice contest is on New Year's Day.

Thanks for the cool image by Chicago photographer David Maenza.

See the image on CMSP's site here.