Assisted by Jayden Dickson, Hassanain Qambari won the 2023 Nikon Small World Photomicrography competition for his vivid image of a rodent optic nerve head showing astrocytes (yellow), contractile proteins (red), and retinal vasculature (green). The colorful image provides an important contribution to the study and reversal of diabetic retinopathy. Starting July 12, 2024, this and other images will be on view at the Small World Exhibit at the NM Museum of Natural History & Science. Courtesy of NMMNHS
NMDCA News:
For the second consecutive year, the New Mexico Museum of Natural History & Science (NMMNHS) is excited to welcome an exhibition showcasing the best in microscopic photography. Nikon Small World returns to the museum with a new slate of images Friday, July 12.
“Nikon Small World shows us the beauty of the beauty of the natural world from a unique perspective” NMMNHS Executive Director Dr. Anthony Fiorillo said. “We’re excited to show off the best photography taken through the microscope for this year.”
Celebrating its 50th anniversary in 2024, the Nikon Small World Photomicrography Competition was established to recognize excellence in photography through the microscope. Nikon Small World is widely regarded as the leading forum for recognizing the art, proficiency, and photographic excellence involved in photomicrography. NMMNHS previously hosted the exhibition during Spring 2023.
This year, the exhibition features the top selections from the 49th annual Small World competition. These include images like the striking shot taken by Hassanain Qambari, assisted by Jayden Dickson, of a rodent optic nerve head showing a bright blend of astrocytes, contractile proteins, and retinal vasculature, which took home the top prize. Other awarded images showcase the tip of a match igniting, the venomous fangs of a tarantula, the tiny hairs on a Russian olive leaf, and other microscopic marvels.
Nikon Small World is included with museum admission and will be on view from July 12 through Sept. 8. Head to nmnaturalhistory.org to learn more and buy tickets.
About the New Mexico Museum of Natural History and Science
The New Mexico Museum of Natural History and Science is a division of the Department of Cultural Affairs, under the leadership of the Board of Trustees of the New Mexico Museum of Natural History & Science. Programs and exhibits are generously supported by the New Mexico Museum of Natural History Foundation, through the generous support of donors. Established in 1986, the mission of the New Mexico Museum of Natural History & Science is to preserve and interpret the distinctive natural and scientific heritage of our state through extraordinary collections, research, exhibits, and programs designed to ignite a passion for lifelong learning. The NMMNHS offers exhibitions, programs, and workshops in Geoscience, including Paleontology and Mineralogy, Bioscience, and Space Science. It is the Southwest’s largest repository for fossils and includes a Planetarium and the large format 3D Verus Research DynaTheater.
