Top 20 Microscope Photos of the Year

[n2doc]

By Betsy Mason October 13, 2010
The subject of this year’s top microscope photo in the 36th annual Nikon Small World competition looks more like neon suspension bridges or sailboats than what it really is: mosquito heart muscle magnified 100 times.

The image, which used flourescence technology to highlight different parts of the specimen, stood out as one of the most beautiful of the entries. And it also had scientific merit as part of the photographer’s research on how mosquitoes carry and spread disease.

“Mosquitoes remain one of the greatest scourges of mankind,” said winner Jonas King of Vanderbilt University in a press release Oct. 13. “And this image of the mosquito heart helps us understand how they transport nutrients, hormones, and even pathogens such as malaria throughout their bodies.”

Having been one of the judges of the Nikon Small World competition this year, I know how many truly stunning contenders there were. Selecting the best 20 was quite a challenge. The judges, which included both journalists and scientists, spent an entire day slowly whittling the record 2,200 images down to the best. I am definitely biased, but I think the group we ended up with is the best the contest has ever seen.



Read More http://www.wired.com/wiredscience/2010/10/top-20-microscope-photos-2010/?pid=383&pageid=38864

even a flea looks awesome....

[FSogol]

1. Cool, thanks for posting. n/t

[Drale]

2. Microscopes are fun

I love the days we get to use them in my natural science class.