The Nikon Small World photography competition has once again showcased the incredible beauty and complexity of the microscopic world. This year, the top prize went to a stunning image of tumour cells in a mouse’s brain, captured by Bruno Cisterna Irrazabal at Augusta University in Georgia. The image reveals tightly packed strands of actin protein surrounding green microtubules and a violet nucleus. Cisterna Irrazabal’s research focuses on understanding how the breakdown of cellular structures could impact the development of neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s.
Another striking entry in the competition was a photograph of maroon-coloured fruiting bodies of slime moulds taken by Henri Koskinen at the University of Helsinki in Finland. The image showcases a delicate net of thick threads enclosing a clump of spores. Photographer Gerhard Vlcek captured a vibrant cross-section of European beachgrass, highlighting the turquoise vascular bundles that carry water and nutrients.
Daniel Knop’s image of miniature scales from the wings of a Ulysses butterfly showcases the intricate details of these tiny structures. Paweł Błachowicz’s photo of a green crab spider’s eight eyes provides a close-up view of this tiny arachnid. Marek Miś captured a neon image of translucent water fleas at different stages of reproduction, while David Maitland’s image of a common bracken stem showcases the expressive smile formed by vascular bundles.
Each of these images highlights the beauty and complexity of the microscopic world, offering a glimpse into the intricate structures that make up the building blocks of life. The Nikon Small World competition continues to inspire awe and wonder at the hidden beauty that lies beyond the naked eye.
