The world is full of hidden wonders, and sometimes, the most extraordinary things are the ones we can't see with the naked eye. For 50 years, Nikon's Small World competition has been shining a light on the beauty and complexity of the microscopic world. It's where cutting-edge science and captivating artistry collide, revealing breathtaking images captured through the lens of a light microscope.
Related: Micro-Color: The Colorful Life of Little Critters!
This year, over 2,100 entries poured in from across the globe, showcasing the incredible talent of scientists and hobbyists alike. Each image was carefully judged by a panel of experts, taking into consideration its originality, its informational value, its technical skill, and its visual impact. Scroll down for 15 of the best entries from the 2024 competition.

Cross section of European beach grass (Ammophila arenaria) leaf.
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These Microscopic Living Robots Have Memory!
The Xenobot 2.0 is the upgraded version of the first living, self-healing robot in history. This tiny living robot could save millions of lives one day!
Tiny Frogs With Tiny Props - Adorable Photos!
These adorable little animals use leaves and flowers as miniature umbrellas - how cute!
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The Tiniest Marvels: Enter Willard Wigan's Miniature World
Enter the fascinating world of Willard Wigan, the master of micro-sculpting.
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Science Lesson: Can We Keep Zooming In... Forever?
This is your gateway into the fascinating world of atomic-scale imaging.
You’ll Never Forget These Unbelievable Microscopic Photos
Take a look at the amazing winners of the Nikon Small World Photomicrography Contest 2022.
Nature’s Cutest Couples - Closeup Photo Edition
These beautiful nature photos will give you a close-up look at some of the cutest couples in the animal kingdom!
See 21 Great Photos That Showcase the Wonders of Our World
Most of us are familiar Wikipedia, the site that provides us with information. Here are 25 of the most beautiful photos the encyclopedia has presented in 2018.
Some Photos Just Have to Be Seen to Be Believed...
Some photos are just mesmerizing, regardless of the reason behind why they captivate us. Take a look at these 21 amazing photos.
21 Photos from The World's Most Beautiful Historical Sites
For professional photographers, historical sites are among the most picturesque places in the world, proof of which you can see in these photos...
If Only I Could Step Back in Time to These Glorious Days
Witness a moment from the lives of some classic famous subjects in a time that has gone by.
Previous Generations Sure Knew a Thing or Two About Style
It's not just your imagination, people in the past really were more stylish and glamorous. Take a walk down memory lane with these 11 nostalgic photos.
Creative Design Ideas For New Notre Dame Spire in Pictures
After the devastating fire at the famous cathedral, France is accepting restoration projects from designers worldwide, here are the best ones
Step into a Magnificent House of Worship...
This common looking mosque has some dazzling secrets on the inside. I have never seen such a beautiful interior than this.
Check Out 20 of the Strangest Buildings Ever Constructed
If you love exploring the architecture of the world, then you're in for a real treat, since this post explores the world's weirdest buildings...
16 Historical Pictures That’ll Bring Back Memories…
"It is a mistake to think that the past is dead," said Will Durant, and these 16 pictures prove him right...
Some Building Designs You Just Don’t See Every Day
Some buildings around our planet are architectural masterpieces. These are certainly NOT some of them.
INTERACTIVE: These Buildings Become Gorgeous at Night...
These structures aren't just beautifully designed - come nightfall, they take on a stunning transformation.
These Photos Are Nothing Less Than Completely Surreal...
Have you ever seen photos that are so perfectly timed, they leave you with your mouth hanging open? Here are 19 of the most surreal photos you'll ever see.
A Little History: The White House Renovation!
When Harry S. Truman inherited the White House as his official residence, he was dismayed to discover its dismal state. Take a look at this 1950s renovation.
What Were They Thinking When They Put Up These Buildings!?
There are always buildings that people wish were never constructed, and the 50 you're about to see in this post are no exception. Here they are!
These Old Photos Showcase Some Major Changes in Ireland
The last few decades of the 19th century and the first few of the 20th were periods of major change for Ireland. These photos capture that wonderfully.
See Just How Much Women's Fashion Changed In 200 Years
Fashion changes all the time, but how much it does change is even more remarkable when viewed from the perspective of centuries. Take a look.
10 Places of Worship That'll Leave You Utterly Speechless
These stunning places of worship will dazzle you with their architectural beauty and breathtaking surroundings. Located all over the world, these beautiful buildings are bound to leave you speechless.
These Photos Tell Us Some Amazing Stories About the World
The world, as these pictures prove, is full of amazing sights and stories.
These Photos Are Here to Remind Us: The World is Beautiful
The theme of the 2021 CEWE Photo Award is "Our World is Beautiful," so you know you're about to see some truly breathtaking photos!
18 Pieces of Furniture With Entirely Unique Designs
Behold some of the most fascinating designs for furniture we've seen in a while!
These Funny Photos Snapped Just Before a Surprise
The very best photography is timed perfectly, and the shots you're about to see are no exception. Take a look at these funny shots to brighten up your day.
These Amazing Shots Show the American West In a New Light
The American West has been photographed many times, but never quite like this. Enjoy Niaz Uddin's stunning aerial shots of this stunning region.
These Vintage Photos Shed Light on Life in the Early 1900s
Get a glimpse of life back in the early 1900s.
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12 Reasons Japanese Bathrooms Are the Best!
Find out why Japanese bathrooms are more efficient and comfortable than western bathrooms. Maybe it'll give you a few ideas...
These Pictures Will Put the Awe of the Universe in You
The winners of the Astronomy Photography competition capture the majestic beauty of our skies and what lies beyond them.
15 Powerful Photos Capturing the Drama of Nature
From powerful landscaped to majestic wildlife, we just had to to share 15 more of the winning images form the Tokyo International Foto Awards.
Remembering the Animals of War in 10 Colorized Photos
These colorized photos honor a few animals heroes who served in WW1 and WW2.
13 Awesome DIY Decoration Ideas to Beautify Your House
This list features some innovative and brilliant DIY designs that helped people completely revamp their homes.
Magnificent Photos of the World's Last Native Tribes
Jimmy Nelson spends his life traveling the world and reminding us of where we came from, namely indigenous tribes. Take a look at his stunning work.
Photo Truth: Behind the Scenes of Great Photographs...
Baba-Mail brings you the photographic truth that the photographers never wanted you to see!
Macro Photography: The Majestic World of Tiny Creatures
Tri Setyo Widodo is a talented macro photographer who specializes in taking photos of insects and other tiny creatures. Here are some of his stunning photographs!.
Milestones in History: the 12 First Photographs Ever Taken
The history of photography reaches back centuries, and its evolution is made apparent if we look at some of the most iconic photos in history
Wow: Some Things You Will Only Ever See in Japan!
In this post, you'll find 12 photos that show some of the "bizarre" and fascinating things one might see in the country of Japan.
These Hidden Secret Designs are Simply Awesome!
Take a look and see which of these clever secrets you would most love to find hiding somewhere in your own home.
Make Your Home Even Better With These Awesome Ideas
If you're looking to do a spot of home redecorating, these ideas will inspire you to greatness!
These Photos Are Just Gorgeous, and Won Prizes...
Did you know you can take amazing photographs with your little iPhone? Just look at these insanely beautiful winners of this years iPhone photography contest!
The Universe's Greatest Photographs: 12 Contest Winners
Have a look at these stunning photograph winners from Wikipedia's tenth annual photography contest. They'll blow your mind.
This Couple Did Something Sweet to Mark 70 Years Together
Not many of us make it to our platinum wedding anniversary, but this Chinese couple most certainly did. To mark the special occasion, they recreated their wedding day.
13 Incredibly Deceptive Photos That Will Confuse You
You will need to look at these deceptive photos a little closer to understand them properly.
The Beauty of Lebanon in 18 Gorgeous Photos
Lebanon is often called "the pearl of the Middle East" and thanks to the next series of photos by the talented photographer Rami Rizk, you get to see why!
16 Photos That Will Open the World Wide Open...
We invite you to enjoy 16 amazing pictures, all of which reveal parts of the world you probably wouldn't have seen if not for them.
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