The Nikon Small World 2023 competition crowned the winning image that reveals the optic nerve of a rodent, a striking reminder of the microscopic stories living inside living beings. The photograph, captured by researchers working at the Lions Eye Institute, showcases how a single eye-related structure can become a gateway to broader understanding about neural connections and ocular health. These authors, working in a medical research setting, contributed a piece that couples advanced imaging with a clear scientific narrative, illustrating how tiny, intricate details can illuminate larger biological realities.
The contest highlighted a diverse set of subjects captured under the microscope. In second place was a dramatic image of a burning match, a study in flame chemistry and the way heat affects materials at microscopic scales. Third place went to a composition that depicts heart‑shaped clusters of breast cancer cells, a visual representation that can evoke discussions about cellular organization, pathology, and the human impact of cancer. In fourth place, a magnified portrait of a baby tarantula’s fangs revealed the architecture of venom delivery at tenfold magnification, a reminder of the often unseen adaptations found in arthropods. The fifth place image offered a close look at the multicolored guard hairs covering the surface of Eleagnus angustifolia leaves when exposed to ultraviolet light, highlighting how light interactions reveal structural and chemical differences on plant surfaces. All of these images, entered for the Nikon Small World competition, were produced through meticulous microscopic work that translates tiny phenomena into accessible visual stories.
Earlier entries in the series show a still wider curiosity about anatomy and natural design. One illustration depicts a tuna interacting with a shark, a scene that underscores the dynamic relationships within marine ecosystems. The texture of shark skin, composed of small tooth‑like structures known as dermal denticles, resembles sandpaper and has long served as an inspiration for both ancient tools and modern materials science — a connection that researchers continue to explore as they study how these natural surfaces regulate movement, friction, and protection. The eye for detail in these images echoes a broader scientific appreciation for how micro‑level features influence macro‑level phenomena in biology and engineering alike.
In a note on the history of photography in science, a previous winner is documented as having declined an award within a major photo contest that referenced an AI‑generated frame. This instance is cited in discussions about the evolving relationship between technology and traditional photographic artistry, highlighting debates about the role of artificial intelligence in creative recognition and scientific illustration. The conversation around this topic reflects a larger shift toward embracing new tools while preserving the integrity and authenticity of human-centered imaging. Such moments illustrate how the field continues to adapt as researchers and artists alike experiment with new methods and interpretations.