These mesmerizing images showcase the stunning views that can be captured through a microscope. They are the winning entries of the Global Image of the Year Scientific Light Microscopy Award 2022, organized by microscope manufacturer Evident.
Juvenile Patiria miniata, or “bat star” starfish
Laurent Formery
The top prize was awarded to Laurent Formery from Stanford University for his photograph of the nervous system of a juvenile Patiria miniata starfish, also known as a “bat star.” The intricate network of fine fibrils within the starfish gives it an otherworldly appearance. To capture this image, Formery treated the 1-centimeter specimen with an antibody and then artificially colored the resulting image to illuminate the animal’s nerves, which are spread throughout its entire body.
Formery’s research primarily focuses on marine invertebrates, particularly echinoderms like starfish and sea urchins. He stated, “We know little about how these animals shape their fivefold body, which is the topic of my research. I’m happy that taking images of them helps communicate how much beauty we have in our oceans and why it is important to know more about them and protect them.”
Germinating pollen grain of a morning glory attached to the stigma.
Igor Siwanowicz
The winning entry for the Americas was captured by Igor Siwanowicz. The image depicts the germinating pollen grain of a morning glory flower attached to a stigma, a crucial part of the plant’s reproductive system. The stigma, seen in the lower part of the image, is covered in projections that help trap pollen.
