Each year since 1974, Nikon has held a competition for the best light microscope pictures. The top 10 pictures are shown here from the 2008 competition. Entries included pictures of anything from unicellular organisms to manmade objects. The resulting photographs taken by scientists showcase the beauty of small worlds seen only with the aid of a microscope.
The top ten pictures (in order) were:
1. diatoms (unicellular organisms)
2. carbon nanotubes
3. Convallaria majalis (Lily of the Valley)
4. Dictyostelium discoideum (unicellular organism)
5. Japanese specialty paper fibers
6. Chrysolina fastuosa (Micro leaf beetle) on a pin head
7. Mitomycin (anti-cancer drug)
8. Crystallized mixture of resorcinal, methylene blue, and sulphur
9. Detail of compact disc
10.Orchestia gammarella (sand hopper)
Microscopic Photography
10 Nikon ‘Small World' 2008 Winners
Trend Themes
1. Microscopic Photography - Opportunity for scientists and photographers to capture the beauty of small worlds through the lens of a microscope.
2. Unicellular Organisms - Potential for advancing research and understanding of unicellular organisms through microscopic photography.
3. Nanotechnology - Disruptive innovation opportunities in the field of nanotechnology through the visualization of carbon nanotubes under a microscope.
Industry Implications
1. Scientific Research - Microscopic photography provides valuable insights and imagery for scientific research across various fields.
2. Pharmaceutical - Opportunity to explore novel perspectives and visualizations of anti-cancer drugs through microscopic photography.
3. Art and Design - Microscopic photography opens up new possibilities for artists and designers to draw inspiration from the intricate details and patterns of small worlds.