BPoD has moved!

BPoD has recently changed our domain name - we can now be found at bpod.org.uk

Please update your bookmarks!

Now in our 13th year of bringing you beautiful imagery from biomedical science every day

Search the archive of over 4000 images

An Inflammatory Storm
17 October 2017

An Inflammatory Storm

These may look like lightning traces crackling across the sky but this storm is happening on a much smaller scale, triggered by an infection or injury deep inside a muscle. Within minutes the area is flooded with white blood cells called neutrophils (stained pink), which rush out of the blood vessels (blue and green) and get to work. Neutrophils are the body’s first response against damage and infections, eating up invading bacteria and producing chemicals that attract other components of the immune system to come and join the fight – a process known as inflammation. But while this is an important part of our body’s defences, a build-up of neutrophils in the brain or heart following a heart attack or stroke can actually increase damage and cause further problems. Scientists are investigating exactly what causes this neutrophil storm, with the aim of developing more effective treatments for strokes and heart disease.

Written by Kat Arney

Search The Archive

Submit An Image

Follow on Tumblr

Follow on Instagram

What is BPoD?

BPoD stands for Biomedical Picture of the Day. Managed by the MRC Laboratory of Medical Sciences until Jul 2023, it is now run independently by a dedicated team of scientists and writers. The website aims to engage everyone, young and old, in the wonders of biology, and its influence on medicine. The ever-growing archive of more than 4000 research images documents over a decade of progress. Explore the collection and see what you discover. Images are kindly provided for inclusion on this website through the generosity of scientists across the globe.

Read More

BPoD is also available in Catalan at www.bpod.cat with translations by the University of Valencia.