This year, the Nikon Small World in Motion competition has unveiled some of the most stunning and captivating aspects of the natural world, showcasing phenomena that often go unseen. From a striking demonstration of self-pollination in flowers to the mesmerizing movements of algae captured in a single droplet of water on a Japanese 50 Yen coin, the winning entries encapsulate artistry and scientific exploration.
The coveted first prize was awarded to Jay McClellan, a photographer based in Michigan. He produced a remarkable timelapse video of a thymeleaf speedwell flower exhibiting self-pollination, using innovative image stacking techniques to present the blossom at an astonishing 5x magnification. Additionally, McClellan received an honorable mention for another noteworthy video showcasing the crystallization process of cobalt, copper, and sodium chlorides.
Biology took center stage in this year’s Small World competition, where researchers and enthusiasts around the globe shared breathtaking views of phenomena such as slime molds, mycelium, cellular reproduction, and sensory neurons. Among the remarkable entries, Dr. Alvaro Migotto from São Paulo presented a captivating view of a microscopic marine mollusk larva undergoing metamorphosis. Meanwhile, Penny Fenton documented a tardigrade exploring an algae colony, and Benedikt Pleyer from Germany utilized polarized light to capture intricate details of cyanobacteria filaments.
The judges’ panel recognized five top entries, alongside 19 honorable mentions. A full display of the winning videos can be found in the winners’ gallery on the contest’s website. Keep a lookout for the upcoming winners of the Nikon Small World photo competition, set to be revealed on October 15.
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