Science

Cell Imaging competition showcases stunning microscopic images

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The above image of a cancer cell by Jane Stout of Indiana University won the microscopy category
The above image of a cancer cell by Jane Stout of Indiana University won the microscopy category
Anushree Balachandran of Genea, Sydney, won the high-content analysis category with this image of a Huntington's disease stem cell
A high-content analysis image of an ovarian cancer cell culture
A high-content analysis image of cancer cells expressing fusion proteins
A high-content analysis image of Trisomy 21-derived neural cells used for the study of Down's Syndrome
A high-content analysis image of rat dorsal root ganglia cells used for the study of toxicology
A high-content analysis image of Huntington's stem cell-derived oligodendrocyte precursors
A microscopy image of a tissue section used for the study of HIV
Markus Posch of the University of Dundee's microscopy image of Prometaphase human cervical carcinoma won the regional award
A microscopy image of a Drosophila Melanogaster ovary for the study of cancer and neurological disorders
A microscopy image of yeast expressing fluorescent fusion proteins for the study of cancer
A microscopy image of the Mitotic Spindle in a PTK1 cell, for the study of cancer
A microscopy image of motion detecting sensory cells in the inner ear, for the study of deafness
View gallery - 13 images

We report on the latest developments in biological research all the time here at Gizmag, but it's easy to forget just how beautiful biology can appear when observed at the cellular level. On this note, GE Healthcare’s Life Sciences Cell Imaging Competition has announced its winners for 2012, giving us the opportunity to appreciate the images which will soon light up New York’s Times Square.

Now in its sixth year, GE Healthcare’s annual competition sees art, science, and discovery converge, with incredibly detailed abstract images the result. The competition is divided into two categories: high-content analysis, and microscopy. It received over 100 entries from researchers based around the world who are investigating conditions including cancer, HIV, and neurodegenerative disease.

Anushree Balachandran of Genea, Sydney, won the high-content analysis category with this image of a Huntington's disease stem cell

While the subject matter of the images can make for sobering viewing, it’s fascinating to see how aesthetically beautiful and complex a cancer cell can appear, for example, and each image is a poignant reminder of the importance of such research.

Markus Posch of the University of Dundee's microscopy image of Prometaphase human cervical carcinoma won the regional award

The images were first selected by a panel of five judges, who shortlisted the finalists for each category before putting the selection to a public vote. Each winner will receive a trip to New York to see their entry displayed on NBC Universal’s HD screen in Times Square from April 19 - 21.

View our pick of the best images in the image gallery.

Source: GE Healthcare Life Sciences

View gallery - 13 images
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3 comments
steve rose
These images may be biologically beautiful,but nowhere in the article does it say they've been digitally enhanced as I'm sure those colours don't occur naturally.
Ra'anan
Steve, if outer space constellations have design & beauty, then why can't inner space as well?
Fretting Freddy the Ferret pressing the Fret
They don't have to be digitally enhanced per se. Researchers can use an arsenal of dyes to mark their target of interest.