Coloured scanning electron micrograph (SEM) of the spore-bearing bodies (conidiophores) of the fungus Aspergillus fumigatus. Aspergillus species are common in the environment in dust, soil and vegetable material. A. fumigatus can cause a number of disease states in humans including allergic disorders, respiratory infections and invasive disease. Fungal balls known as aspergillomas can develop within the lungs, sometimes requiring surgical removal. Occasionally the fungus invades tissue, spreading from the lungs to the brain, kidneys, liver and skin. Magnification: x3000 at 10 centimetres wide.