BIRMINGHAM, AL, USA--This confocal microscope image of Convallaria majalis (Lily of the Valley, 1300x) took third place in Nikon's Small World 2008 photomicography competition. It shows clearly the plant's tissue organization--the red cell walls, and green and yellow starch granules. The image was acquired using laser confocal microscopy with 3D projection as part of a test of a confocal imaging system for optical sectioning and 3D rendering.
Albert Tousson produced it while serving as manager of the High Resolution Imaging Facility at the University of Alabama at Birmingham. A cell biologist, Tousson has been involved in photomicrography for 25 years. He works to understand the complex processes that allow cells to metabolize and perpetuate.
Tousson's image, depicting the fundamental structure of the springtime flowering plant, reminds us that the deadline for entries for Nikon's 2009 competition is April 30.
Small World showcases life as seen through the light microscope. For over 30 years, Nikon has rewarded the world's best photomicrographers who make critically important scientific contributions to life sciences, bio-research and materials science.
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