These Images Reveal Nature in Microscopic Detail
Nikon’s Small World Photography Contest offers at up-close look at slime molds, insect wings, neurons and more
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Images from Nikon’s Small World Photomicrography Competition reveal wonders of the natural world usually hidden to the human eye. The 47th annual contest celebrates a type of photography called “photomicrography,” which blends art and science. Photographers used microscopes to capture objects in stunning detail—from the shape of tiny organoids to the structure of common household items.
Some finalists boosted the natural colors of their subject with stains or fluorescence to make certain features pop or combined and layered photographs to create a final image. The collection of photographs is a vibrant, abstract journey through scientific fields like cancer research, entomology, and neuroscience.
This year, more than 1,900 entries were received from 88 countries, and 20 winners were selected. Here is a selection images from the winners:
1st Place: “Trichome and stomata on a southern live oak leaf” by Jason Kirk
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3rd Place: “Rear leg, claw, and respiratory trachea of a louse (Haematopinus suis)” by Frank Reiser
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4th Place: “Sensory neuron from an embryonic rat” by Paula Diaz
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7th Place: “Head of a tick” by Tong Zhang and Paul Stoodley
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10th Place: “Vein and scales on a butterfly wing (Morpho didius)” by Sébastien Malo
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12th Place: “Breast organoid showing contractile myoepithelial cells (blue) crawling on secretory breast cells (red)” by Jakub Sumbal
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13th Place: “Cotton fabric with pollen grains” by Felice Placenti
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15th Place: “Diatom (Arachnoidiscus)” by Bernard Allard
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18th Place: “Table salt crystal” by Saulius Gugis
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20th Place: “Slime mold (Arcyria pomiformis)” by Alison Pollack
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