Self-cleaning paint. Coloured scanning electron micrograph (SEM) of a surface coated with a self-cleaning paint. This paint was inspired by the 'Lotus Effect', whereby the surface of the leaves of a lotus (Nelumbo sp.) plant repel water droplets better than any other material in nature. This helps them to stay clean and stops fungi and other organisms from settling on them. Magnification: x330 when printed 10 centimetres wide.