Fascination: Kenneth Libbrecht, Professor of Physics at the California Institute of Technology, has been studying snowflakes, ice patterns, crystal growth and ice formations since 1997 We are often told that every snowflake is different – but the naked eye is simply not advanced enough to appreciate the world’s favourite form of precipitation. But even without a white Christmas this year,... 

The annual Small World Photomicrography Competition sponsored by Nikon aims to showcase “the beauty and complexity of life as seen through the light microscope.” Indeed, the 2010 winning photographs reveal what’s not seen or visible to the human eye. While many of the stunning images were taken to advance science, some are just simply beautiful to look at. The following photos were...