MELVILLE, N.Y., Oct. 8, 2009 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- A bundle of fluorescent actin protein filaments captured by Dennis Breitsprecher of Hannover, Germany, awed the public to win the Popular Vote in the 2009 Nikon Small World Photomicrography Competition. The public voted for the image as its favorite among the 137 finalists featured at www.nikonsmallworld.com.
Mr. Breitsprecher, whose winning image also received recognition as an Image of Distinction, is a faculty member at the Institute of Biophysical Chemistry at Germany's Hannover Medical School. Nikon will recognize Mr. Breitsprecher's image alongside the other winners of this year's Nikon Small World Photomicrography Competition.
Tracy Anderson of the University of Minnesota received second place in the Popular Vote. His image of dried toluidine blue on a Petri dish was also named as an Image of Distinction in this year's competition.
"Whether selected for aesthetic appeal, scientific relevance or technical proficiency, these images continue to show us the amazing beauty and detail that can be captured under the microscope," said Lee Shuett, executive vice president, Nikon Instruments. "The Popular Vote gets the public involved so that everyone has the chance to serve as a judge."
Now in its 35th year, Nikon Small World is the oldest and most respected competition of its kind. The competition, which has become the preeminent forum for showcasing the beauty and complexity of life as seen through the light microscope, celebrates the world's best photomicrographers who create beautiful imagery while showcasing a wide variety of advanced scientific disciplines. Nikon Small World recognizes photomicrographers for their achievements in capturing dynamic images at the intersection of science and art.
Top images from the 2009 Nikon Small World Competition will be exhibited in a full-color 2010 calendar and through a national museum tour. For additional information, including tour cities and dates, please visit www.nikonsmallworld.com.
ABOUT THE NIKON SMALL WORLD PHOTOMICROGRAPHY COMPETITION
The Nikon Small World Photomicrography Competition is open to anyone with an interest in photography. Participants may submit their images in traditional 35mm format, or upload digital images directly at www.nikonsmallworld.com. The first, second and third prize winners will receive a selection of Nikon products and equipment worth $3,000, $2,000 and $1,000, respectively. For additional information, contact Nikon Small World, Nikon Instruments Inc., 1300 Walt Whitman Road, Melville, NY 11747, USA or phone (631) 547-8569.
ABOUT NIKON INSTRUMENTS INC.
Nikon Instruments Inc. is a world leader in the development and manufacture of optical and digital imaging technology for biomedical and industrial applications. Now in its 91st year, Nikon provides complete optical systems that offer optimal versatility, performance and productivity. Cutting-edge instruments include microscopes, precision measuring equipment, digital imaging products and software. Nikon Instruments is the microscopy and digital imaging arm of Nikon Inc., the world leader in digital imaging, precision optics and photo imaging technology. For more information, visit www.nikoninstruments.com. Product-related inquiries may be directed to Nikon Instruments at 800-52-NIKON.