A groundbreaking image mouse Brain tumor cells were awarded 2024 Nikon Small World Competition. At first glance, the image seen below may look like a science fiction plant structure, but it is actually the actin, microtubules, and nucleus of the cells. “This image reveals how disruptions in the cell’s cytoskeleton (the structural framework and ‘highways’ known as microtubules) can lead to diseases such as Alzheimer’s and ALS.” press release explains.

Image, Dr. With the help of Eric Vitriol, Dr. Shot by Bruno Cisterna. Capturing the image required a lot of patience for research scientists at Augusta University. “I spent about three months perfecting the staining process to ensure the cells were clearly visible,” Cisterna said. “After waiting five days for the cells to differentiate, I needed to find the right field of view where differentiated and undifferentiated cells interact. This took about three hours of precise observation under the microscope to capture the right moment, which involved many tries, and countless hours of study to get it right.”

The Nikon Small World Competition celebrates its 50th anniversary in 2024, with more than 2,100 entries submitted from 80 countries. Organizers call the awards “the premier forum for recognizing artistry, competence and photographic excellence in photomicrography.”

(Click on the images to expand their beauty.)