The winner's of Nikon's annual Small World microscope photography contest this year include images of transgenic kidneys, a cricket's tongue, spider eyes, and a scarlet pimpernel.
The first-place photograph was chosen out of more than 1,200 entries from 79 different countries. Rogelio Moreno, a computer programmer and self-taught microscopist from Panama, managed to capture an image of a tiny creature known as a rotifer with its mouth open.
“When you see that movement, you fall in love," Moreno said in a press release. "I thought—wow, that is amazing. I can’t believe what I’m seeing. This is something very, very beautiful.”
This is the 40th year for the Small World competition. You can see the top photo from each year in our winners gallery and help choose the best of the best by voting for your favorite in Nikon's people's choice competition.
You can also browse all the winners and honorable mentions in the full Small World collection.
