Decaying Collection (#5)

Tooth decay, X-ray
Tooth decay. Coloured X-ray of a profile view of a 22-year-old patients teeth, showing a cavity (decay) in the left lower molar (light grey, centre left)

Atomic particle decay, artwork
Atomic particle decay, conceptual computer artwork. Particle decay is the spontaneous transformation of one elementary particle into other elementary particles

Methane bubbles trapped in a frozen pool. These are produced by decomposing organic matter at the bottom of the pond

Zombies, artwork
Zombies. Computer artwork of three undead corpses

Zombie, artwork
Zombie. Computer artwork of an undead corpse

Dry rot fungus. Dry rot, unlike its name suggests, infects damp timber. The term refers to the growth of either of two fungi

Rotting apples in an orchard

White bread mould, SEM
White bread mould. Coloured scanning electron micrograph (SEM) of the fruiting bodies of two types of mould growing on white bread. The moulds are Penicillium sp. and Mucor mucedo

Mouldy apple. Food turns mouldy when contaminated by a fungus. Microscopic fungal spores have landed on this apple, forming a fungal body

Mouldy bread roll. Mould fungus (Penicillium sp.) on a bread roll. The white areas are mycelia, a mass of thread-like structures (hyphae) which absorb nutrients

Scarlet elf cup fungi (Sarcoscypha austriaca) on dead wood. This edible fungus grows in spring on dead rotting branches and in boggy alder wood areas

Mouldy raspberry. Coloured scanning electron micrograph (SEM) of mould (green) growing on a raspberry (Rubus idaeus). Magnification unknown

Mouldy pepper. Grey mould (Botrytis cinerea) on a red pepper (Capsicum sp.)

Supersymmetric particle production. Computer artwork showing the results of a collision between a quark (pink) and an antiquark (blue)

Chinese lantern flower skeleton, SEM
Chinese lantern flower skeleton. Coloured scanning electron micrograph (SEM) of the decaying calyx of a flower of the chinese lantern plant (Physalis sp.)

Decaying leaves for compost. Decaying oak leaves (Quercus robur) in a wire container. Once these leaves have decayed, they can be used as a compost known as leaf mould

Pholiota limonella mushrooms
Pholiota mushrooms (Pholiota limonella) on wood. This fungus is not edible

Pipe club fungus (Clavariadelphus fistulosus) on a tree branch

Wat Chiang Man, Chiang Mai, Thailand, Southeast Asia, Asia

Mould growing on a lemon
Ashley Cooper / SpecialistStock

Decaying house in Panaji formerly known as Panjim, Goa, India

Acropolis of Rhodes, Rhodes City, island of Rhodes, Dodecanese, Greek Islands, Greece, Europe

Basket of green apples with one rotten one

Lake Myrtle and Mt. Rogoona, Walls of Jerusalem National Park, Tasmania, Australia, Pacific

Lake Bill and Mt. Rogoona, Walls of Jerusalem National Park, Tasmania, Australia, Pacific

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"Decaying Beauty: Exploring the Ephemeral Nature of Life" In the vast realm of existence, decay silently weaves its intricate tapestry. From the depths of scientific discovery to the remnants of forgotten relics, hints of decay surround us, reminding us of life's transience. At the Higgs boson event, within the ATLAS detector C013 / 6892, particles collide and disintegrate into a symphony of energy. In this dance between creation and destruction, even fundamental elements succumb to decay. On the rugged shores of Isle Mull in Scotland's picturesque landscape lies a poignant sight - old fishing boats slowly rotting away. Once vibrant vessels that braved tempestuous seas now stand as weathered witnesses to time's relentless erosion. Nelson's flagship Foudroyant stands proud yet worn in Blackpool, Lancashire. This majestic vessel once sailed with valor but now bears scars from battles long past. Its decaying facade whispers tales from bygone eras. Cuba's Havana reveals another facet of decay through its apartment living. Buildings adorned with faded grandeur reflect an era frozen in time. Peeling paint and crumbling facades tell stories etched into every crack and crevice. Artistic interpretations also capture decay's allure; artwork C018 / 0936 depicts the enigmatic beauty found within Higgs boson particles' fleeting existence. A delicate balance between order and chaos unfolds before our eyes. Nature too embraces decay as Coral Spot Fungus thrives on Sycamore twigs in Powys, Wales. These crimson fruiting bodies emerge like tiny flames amidst nature's cycle - a reminder that life emerges even from decomposition. Deadvlei in Namib-Naukluft Park showcases dead acacia trees silhouetted against towering sand dunes - stark symbols contrasting life against barrenness. Here, nature paints an evocative picture where death and beauty intertwine.