a close up of a blue and purple substance

Red Blood Cell Infected with Malaria Parasites Colorized scanning electron micrograph of red blood cell infected with malaria parasites (blue). The small bumps on the infected cell show how the parasite remodels its host cell by forming protrusions called 'knobs' on the surface, enabling it to avoid destruction and cause inflammation. Uninfected cells (pink) have smoother surfaces. Credit: NIAID https://www.flickr.com/photos/niaid/52846020263/