Congratulations to all the winners of our milestone 50th anniversary #NikonSmallWorld competition! We're so grateful for every single person who submitted and made this competition into what it is today. The complete 2024 winning gallery is now live: 🔬

Happy #SmallWorldInMotionMonday! Skip to the (🫀) beat of your own drum this week. Credit: Anjalie Schlaeppi

Though the creature pictured is not actually a frog, it shares a name with one. We're making like the leg of a frog-legged beetle and leaping into the weekend. Have a good one!. Credit: Dr. Andrew M. Posselt

Damsel(fly) in distress? Nope! The damselfly is a predator, both in its immature form and as an adult. They are voracious hunters, consuming a variety of other insects. Credit: Dr. Robert Berdan

Here's some #WednesdayWisdom: Moth scales are primarily made of chitin, a protein that also forms the exoskeletons of insects. To remain attached, each scale snaps into an individual pocket-like slot. Credit: Chris Perani

I spy with my little eye. A Daphnia magna!. Credit: Ahmad Fauzan

The chemical process occurring in this #SmallWorldInMotionMonday is a result of solvent evaporation, leading to increased solute concentration and ultimately the formation of crystalline structures. Credit: Dr. Bernardo Cesare, Stefano Castelli

See you later, alligator! Have a great weekend, everyone. Credit: Daniel Smith Paredes, Dr. Bhart-Anjan S. Bhullar

It's officially summer in the U.S. now, which means the ticks are out in full force. Be sure to keep an eye out for these pesky insects, which can carry several harmful diseases. Credit: Dr. Tong Zhang, Dr. Paul Stoodley

Radiolarians have existed for at least 550 million years, so it's no surprise that they are thought to hold significant clues to the evolution of life on Earth, as well as insights into changing climatic conditions over time. Credit: Wim van Egmond

This diamond-studded dental drill bit may be stunning, but we'd prefer it stay far away from our teeth!. Credit: Karl Deckart

Happy #SmallWorldInMotionMonday! Move over Monday blues, we're getting our blood pumping and gearing up for a productive week ahead. Credit: Fabian J. Weston

Produced from 1794 to 1935, the Morgan Silver Dollar is known for its high silver content. For some collectors, they have gained icon status and are considered to be worth thousands of dollars. 🪙. . Credit: Allen B. Smith

Did you know that only female mosquitoes bite to obtain blood? It's necessary for their egg development, while male mosquitoes feed on plant juices and do not bite. Credit: Jan Rosenboom

Did you ever peer through a kaleidoscope as a child? "Kaleidoscope" comes from Greek words meaning "beautiful form watcher," and this microscopic algae makes us feel like we're peering through the looking glass!. Credit: Peter Webber

It's #TwinTuesday! Lynx spiderlings don't often use webs to catch prey; rather, they spend their time hunting on plants and flowers. Credit: Walter A. Piorkowski

A big question we were asked about last week's judging was "How has AI impacted the way the judges deliberate?". Per Deboki Chakravarti, "I think it’s impossible not to look at any picture or video you see anymore and not wonder if AI was involved," she said. Watch for more.

Two of a kind! Mixomicetes are colloquially known as the plasmodial or acellular slime molds. Credit: José R. Almodóvar

No paddles needed! The water boatman propel themselves through the water using their long, oarlike hind legs. Credit: Anne Patricia Algar

Commonly found in household pantries, table salt has many everyday uses, from culinary to industrial! It is recommended for the average adult limit their sodium intake to less than 2,300mg a day. Credit: Saulius Gugis

Soy sauce is one of the world's most beloved condiments, and has been for over 2,000 years, with origins tracing back to ancient China. Credit: Yanping Wang