The Winning Anther

Speaking of microscopic domains, Nikon sponsors an annual photography contest for images taken through the ‘scope that are as stunning as they are other-worldly. The winner for 2009's Small World Competition has just been announced (an anther from Arabidopsis thaliana, pictured here) and it—along with the many outstanding runners-up—are available for view at Nikon's easily navigable web site. Viewing the stunning images, one can debate whether art imitates life or vice versa, but it probably doesn't matter. Life is beautiful in all its forms and Nikon Small World provides many reminders.

[www.nikonsmallworld.com]