It's a small world: The dazzling pictures of life under the microscope



These astonishing pictures reveal a stunning microscopic world - with beautiful images of algae, lobster eggs and soap film.



The close-ups give a glimpse into a universe that most have never seen, one that can usually only be experienced through the lens of a microscope.



They are all entries to the Nikon Small World competition, now in its 35th year, a contest that attracts entries from around the world.

Heiti Paves from Tallinn University won the competition with this 20X zoom picture of the anther from a thale cress plant. The anther is on the end of the stamen and is where pollen is produced

Gerd A. Guenther, from Dusseldorf in Germany snapped this spiny sowthistle using a shop bought camera. The flower is a common roadside weed in the U.S.

The stunning images come from the biological, industrial, and geological sciences and are produced from the most unlikely subjects, including aquatic larva and zebra fish.



Estonian Dr Heiti Paves took top honours this year, with a mind-blowing image of a flowering plant anther taking first place on October 8.



He said: 'As part of my work as a research scientist, I have been taking photographs through the microscope for almost 30 years to observe the processes in living cells.

'I am honoured to receive this recognition and I'm excited for the opportunity to share my work broadly.'

Honourable mentions: These futuristic images have far more mundane origins. On the left is a finch's testicle and on the right is a fungal infection on a flowering plant root



What on Earth is it? This hexagonal shaped object is a snowflake. It achieved 19th place.

This colourful spiral is part of an Anglerfish ovary. The deep sea fish uses a light to attract prey

Judges assess images based on both scientific and artistic qualities, with the leading images displaying strengths in both areas.



Their impact, technical proficiency, originality, and contribution to scientific community are also looked at to evaluate entries.



Not all those who submitted photographs come from the world of science, anyone with a microscope can take part.

Although standard instruments are enough, many of the images were taken with highly specialized microscopes that can cost hundreds of thousands of pounds. But even the simplest of microscopes can result in impressive photos.



Gerd Guenther from Germany scooped second place with a 150X zoom image of a thistle taken using a shop-bought device.



The pictures will now be featured in a touring exhibit around the U.S.

These orange orbs are actually a close-up of algae. Pictured by Dr Arlene Wechezak the image was awarded 10th place











