Insulation Collection (#4)

Myelin surrounding a nerve axon, TEM
Myelin surrounding a nerve axon, coloured transmission electron micrograph (TEM). The concentric round rings are the sheets of a Schwann cells myelin membrane (brown rings)

Aerogel on the hand of a researcher. Aerogel is a silicon-based solid comprising up to 99.9% air, commonly referred to as frozen smoke

Houses and road, thermogram. A thermogram shows the variation in temperature on the surface of an object, measured by the long-wave infrared radiation it emits

Turf roofed wooden huts, Norway
Turf roofed wooden huts. Photographed on Kvaloya Island, near Tromso, Norway

Block of flats, thermogram
Block of flats. Thermogram of a block of flats in the evening. A thermogram shows the variation in temperature on the surface of an object, measured by the long-wave infrared radiation it emits

Electricity cables. Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) insulated wires. Thicker wires (top) can carry larger currents and require thicker insulation

Electrical cable. Cutaway end of a two-core and earth electrical cable. This cable has two insulated copper conductors and a bare solid copper earth wire

Babylon turrid sea snail shell
Lymphatic system. Computer artwork of a naked woman with a healthy lymphatic system. Also seen are associated organs including the thymus gland (upper centre) and the spleen (centre right)

Insulators on an electricity pylon. These prevent electricity passing through to the metal frame of the pylon

SEAGEL on bubbles

Electrical substation ceramic insulators
Electricity substation ceramic insulators. The ceramic material (red) insulates the connections at this electricity substation

Worn electrical wire. Loss of the surrounding insulation has exposed the wires. Contact between the wires could lead to a short circuit or possibly a fire

Down feather. This type of feather makes up a birds under-plumage, providing insulation to maintain its body temperature

Penguin feather, SEM
Penguin feather, coloured scanning electron micrograph (SEM). The penguin (family Spheniscidae) has the most densely packed feathers of any bird

Astrocyte nerve cells. Light micrograph of astrocyte cells from a human brain. Astrocytes are a type of glial cell. They provide structural support and protection for neurons (nerves cells)

Nerve fibre node, TEM
Nerve fibre node. Coloured transmission electron micrograph (TEM) of a cross-section through a nerve fibre (axon) at a node of Ranvier

House, thermogram. The colours show variations in temperature. The scale runs from white (warmest), through yellow, orange, red and purple to blue (coldest)

Thermogram showing heat loss from a house
Heat loss. Thermogram of a house showing the distribution of heat over its surface. The temperature scale runs from red (warmest) through yellow, green, cyan and blue to mauve (coldest)

Nerve demyelination, TEM
Nerve demyelination. Coloured transmission electron micrograph (TEM) of a section through a Schwann cell and a nerve fibre, showing the early collapse of its myelin sheath

Toast, thermogram
Toast. Thermogram of toasted bread in an electric toaster and butter being spread on a slice of toast. The colour-coding shows variations in temperature

Insulation material

Energy efficiency
Insulation. Conceptual image of foam insulation round a copper pipe beside a globe

Foam insulation round a copper pipe

Phase change material, SEM
Phase change material. Coloured scanning electron micrograph (SEM) of microcapsules (blue) that contain a phase change material (PCM) coating fabric fibres

Computer cables

Water pipe and insulation material
Insulation material wrapped round a plastic water pipe

Dew drops on woodpigeon feather
Dew drops on woodpigeons feather. Dew is water vapour that is formed into droplets upon a surface when the surface has cooled below the point at which condensation occurs

Nerve fibres, SEM
Myelinated nerve fibres, coloured scanning electron micrograph (SEM). The myelin sheath is grey, the axoplasm pink and the endoneurium (connective tissue) yellow

IRAS infrared astronomy satellite on display at the National Space Centre, Leicester, UK. Image shows the sunshade surrounding the telescope aperture

Fat cell, TEM
Fat cell. Coloured Coloured transmission electron micrograph (TEM) of a section through fat (adipose) tissue. Fat cells, or adipocytes

1737 Carl Linnaeus in Lapland dress HD
Carl Linnaeus mezzotint engraving by H. Kingsbury with later hand colouring, published by Dr. Thornton 1805 from an original in his possession

Liquefied natural gas tanker
Liquefied natural gas transport. View over the tanks of a liquefied natural gas (LNG) tanker. LNG is natural gas that has been filtered and purified then cooled below -162 Celsius

Insulated water pipes in an industrial system

Insulated propellant tank
Propellant tank for a satellite wrapped in insulating foil, otherwise known as multi-layer insulation (MLI). This helps to maintain the temperature of the propellant independent of the external

Insulated heating pipes in an industrial heating system

Solar thermal heating system. The three pumps at upper centre (with red and blue dials) are examples of a modern heating and solar thermal system

Nerve anatomy. Artwork showing the anatomy and structure of a nerve cell (neuron, upper left) and the nerve process (axon) connecting it to other nerve cells

Neural network. Artwork of nerve cells (neurons, green) connected by nerve processes (dendrites and axons) to form a neural network

Quantum waves in topological insulators. Computer model showing interference patterns formed by quantum waves in a type of new material known as a topological insulator

Spacecraft heatshield insulation
Spacecraft heat shield insulation after use. This material is honeycombed for additional strength, and was used in a heat shield (thermal protection system) on a manned spacecraft

Abdominal fat tissue, SEM
Abdominal fat tissue, coloured scanning electron micrograph (SEM). Strands of connective tissue are seen running across the fat cells (adipocytes)

Vostok 1 heat insulation. Close-up of the exterior insulation and cladding around the entrance to the Vostok 1 spacecraft

Electrical cables. Each cable is composed of a live, neutral and earth wire, insulated within rubber sheaths. The wires are made from copper, which is an excellent conductor

Fat cells, TEM
Fat cells. Coloured transmission electron micrograph (TEM) of a section through fat (adipose) tissue. Each fat cell or adipocyte

Brain cells in culture, light micrograph
Brain cells in culture. Fluorescent light micrograph of a microglial cell (upper left) and an oligodendrocyte (centre) from a human brain

Myelinated nerves, SEM
Myelinated nerves. Coloured scanning electron micrograph (SEM) of a section through myelinated nerve fibres and Schwann cells

Fat cells, SEM
Fat cells, or adipocytes, coloured scanning electron micrograph (SEM). Adipocytes store energy as an insulating layer of fat and the majority of the cells volume is taken up by a large lipid droplet

Seal fur, SEM
Seal fur. Coloured scanning electron micrograph (SEM) for a freeze-fracture of seal skin with fur seen across top. The dense flattened fur of seals traps air and aids insulation in cold water

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Insulation: Nature's Secret to Battling the Cold As a cold snap blankets Tarn Hows in the Lake District, Herdwick Sheep find solace in feeding on hay. Their thick wool acts as insulation, keeping them warm and protected from the biting chill. Just like these resilient creatures, our bodies have their own way of combating low temperatures. Deep within our fat cells lies an intricate network that helps regulate body temperature. Underneath a powerful microscope called TEM, we can witness this remarkable process unfold. Similarly, nerve fibres are equipped with myelination—a protective coating that enhances conductivity and insulates against external elements. In the midst of snowfall over Kentmere fells near Ill Bell and Yoke, Highland Cattle stand steadfastly on Kirkstone's side. Their shaggy coats serve as natural insulation against freezing winds—nature's ingenious design at work once again. But insulation doesn't stop at animals; it extends into our homes too. A hot water cylinder wrapped in a jacket ensures heat retention and energy efficiency. Likewise, insulating your house loft or roof space can significantly reduce heat loss and combat climate change—an act of environmental responsibility we should all embrace. A man measures the depth in his house loft or roof space—a simple yet impactful step towards conserving energy and reducing household heat loss. By doing so, he not only saves money but also contributes to mitigating climate challenges. Amidst picturesque Grasmere fields covered in snow stands a Herdwick ewe atop Steel Fell—a testament to nature's resilience even amidst harsh conditions. And just like these hardy sheep braving the cold outdoors, astrocyte nerve cells play a vital role in protecting our brain by providing electrical insulation for neurons. Finally, back to Kentmere fells where Highland Cattle graze peacefully alongside Snowfall—the epitome of tranquility amid wintry landscapes enhanced by their built-in thermal protection.