Winning images reveal the aesthetic side of UW science

This image, from graduate students Thomas Ellingham and Max R. Salick, shows cellulose nano-fibers marked with a fluorescent stain. When dried, the fibers produce fascinating geometric, crystallized patterns. This image resembles a surreal, microscopic city skyline.

From the frumpish mug of an oyster toadfish to delicate crystalline flowers of cobalt pyrite, 12 winners of the 2014 University of Wisconsin-Madison Cool Science Image contest were announced today, Tuesday, March 25.

Ten still images and two videos were recognized for their portrayals of science and for the stories the pictures embody. Videos are recognized this year for the first time. Click here to view all of the winning images.

As is true each year, we had amazing participation and many beautiful and insightful pictures, says Steve Ackerman, a UW-Madison professor of atmospheric and oceanic sciences and a contest judge. We continue to be astounded by the quality of the images submitted and the fascinating stories they tell.

This photo, from Amy V. Uhrin, a zoology graduate student, shows the oyster toadfish. Medical researchers are also attempting to understand mechanisms behind the fishs high tolerance for ammonia in water in hope of halting the toxic effects of high ammonia concentrations in humans.

The 2014 CSI winners are:

This photo, by Angie Derr, an intern at the Newcomb Imaging Center in the Department of Botany, shows a moss capsule, where spore production takes place.

Excerpt from:
Winning images reveal the aesthetic side of UW science