We won? Zebrafish larvae startled after hearing their extreme close-up image has taken first prize in science photo contest

By NICK ENOCH

These odd-looking creatures are, in fact, two-day-old zebrafish larvae, as seen through a scanning electron microscope. The two holes above the mouth show the developing olfactory system

These strange-looking creatures may look like ear-less teddy bears with tails - but this image won first prize in a science photo competition.
They are, in fact, two-day-old zebrafish larvae, as seen through a scanning electron microscope.
The photo - known as a micrograph - was taken by Jurgen Berger and Mahendra Sonawane, both employees at the Max Planck Institute for Developmental Biology, which organises the Images of Research Focus Photo contest.
The larvae are being studied by the institute, in Tubingen, Germany, as part of its investigation into sensory cells and the development of organs in embryos - and earned the two scientists 5,000 euros in prize money.

A colourful image of a praying mantis took joint second prize in the Images of Research Focus Photo contest organised by the Max Planck Institute for Developmental Biology

The zebrafish, or Danio rerio, is a tropical fresh-water fish commonly found in research tanks. Within three months, the larva turns into an adult (the two holes above the mouth in the picture above show not its eyes but developing olfactory system).
During the larval stage, it has the ability to regenerate fins, skin, heart and brain. Taking joint second prize was a colourful praying mantis.
Neurobiologist Igor Siwanowicz wowed the judges with his technically perfect staged image.

Taken by Volker Brinkmann, from the institute's department for infection in Berlin, this image shows a scanning electronic recording of a white blood cell (in red), 'eating' tuberculosis bacteria (in green)

He explained how the mantis, when threatened, spreads its limbs to confuse enemies. And they also use their front legs, covered in tiny spikes, to ensnare their prey.
Sharing the prize was an incredible picture of the human immune system in action - which, at first glance, could almost be mistaken for a flower.
Taken by Volker Brinkmann, from the institute's department for infection in Berlin, it shows a scanning electronic recording of a white blood cell (in red), 'eating' tuberculosis bacteria (in green).
These photos, from the 2009 contest, saw 104 photographers entering more than 1,400 images.

source: dailymail