Nikon Small World Photomicrography Competition Reveals Hidden World of Nature and Disease
The winners of the annual Nikon Small World Photomicrography Competition have been announced, showcasing the mesmerizing and hidden details of the natural world. The competition, which opened for photo submissions in 1974, aims to reveal what the magnification of a microscope can unveil to the human eye.
Among the stunning images this year, caffeine crystals resembling a paper-mosaic flower, a mouse embryo with open jaws and a spiny backbone reminiscent of a mini-dinosaur skeleton, and crystallized sugar syrup imitating an unruly stack of blue and white paper captivated the judges and viewers alike. These images serve as a reminder of the intricate beauty that often goes unnoticed.
However, the competition is not just about the artistry of these microscopic images. In some cases, they play a vital role in understanding and tackling diseases. The top award for 2023 was presented to Hassanain Qambari, assisted by Jayden Dickson of the Lions Eye Institute in Perth, Australia, for their microscopic image of a rodent optic nerve head. Qambari’s research has focused on diabetic retinopathy, a condition that can lead to blurry vision and blindness in individuals with diabetes.
Qambari explained, “Current diagnostic criteria and treatment regimens for diabetic retinopathy are limited to the late-stage appearance of the disease, with irreversible damage to retinal microvasculature and function.” By capturing detailed images of this condition, Qambari hopes to aid in its early detection and reversal.
The second-place winner, Ole Bielfeldt, caught the exact moment when the tip of a match ignites as it strikes across a matchbox. This image is a testament to the competition’s ability to capture stunning moments in time that would otherwise go unnoticed.
Meanwhile, the third-place winner, Malgorzata Lisowska, submitted a deceptively lovely photo of breast cancer cells. This image serves as a reminder of the importance of early detection and highlights the ongoing battle against this devastating disease.
Each year, the Nikon Small World Photomicrography Competition invites photographers and scientists from around the world to submit their most compelling microscopic images. This year alone, the competition received an overwhelming 1,900 submissions from 72 different countries. The judging panel, comprising experts in both photography and science, had the difficult task of selecting the winners.
These awe-inspiring images not only astound the viewers with their artistry but also contribute greatly to the understanding and study of various diseases. They serve as a reminder that there is an intricate and breathtaking world hidden within the tiniest organisms, waiting to be explored and deciphered by dedicated researchers and photographers alike.