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Leukaemia blood cells. Coloured scanning electron micrograph (SEM) of blood cells in a patient suffering from leukaemia, a form of cancer. Four white blood cells (leucocytes, brown/green) and two red blood cells (erythrocytes, red) are seen. Leukaemia causes the production of excessive amounts of leucocytes, leading to reduced levels of other blood cells. The lack of erythrocytes leads to anaemia, with bruising and bleeding due to a lack of platelets. Serious infections may develop, because abnormal leucocytes do not attack foreign organisms. Treatment includes chemotherapy, radiotherapy and regular blood transfusions. Magnification: x4000 at 6x7cm size. (KEYSTONE/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY/STEVE GSCHMEISSNER)