Recommended Free Tools
Outdated Drivers Are Slowing You Down
Free scan · exact hardware match
PC Slower Than It Used to Be?
Free scan · Windows 10 & 11
Crashes, No Sound, or Screen Glitches?
Free scan · under a minute
ThatPainter is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Learn More
What does the world look like through a microscope? Nikon Small World’s 2024 gallery answers with images of cells, plant tissue, insects and an electrical arc—subjects transformed by magnification, light and careful composition. The 2024 competition was the contest’s 50th annual edition, a milestone for an event that began in 1975.
See the 2024 Nikon Small World gallery
New Atlas’s 20-image gallery, published October 19, 2024, ranges from biological specimens to a physical phenomenon. Its first-place image shows differentiated mouse brain tumor cells; second place captures an electrical arc between a pin and a wire; third place reveals trichomes and cannabinoid vesicles on a cannabis leaf.
Other subjects in the selection include a mouse intestine, octopus eggs, slime mold, grass leaf tissue, a neuron, water fleas, algae reproductive structures, an insect egg and a plant seed. Together, the images make the contest’s appeal clear: familiar organisms and processes can look startlingly unfamiliar when photographed through a microscope.
#1 Best Overall
- COMPLETE 5-PIECE BRUSH SET FOR EVERY PAINTING TASK — Includes 1 Inch Flat, 1.5 Inch Angle, 2 Inch Flat, 2 Inch Angle Stubby, and 2.5 Inch Angle brush giving you every size professional painters use daily. Get all 5 for less than the price of a single brush from hardware store brands — professional grade performance at a fraction of the cost. Perfect for walls, trim, cabinets, doors, furniture, and detailed cutting-in work on any project.
- ZERO BRISTLE LOSS — GUARANTEED BY PRECISION ADHESIVE BONDING — Every bristle is locked in place with precision-set adhesive that keeps them in the brush — not in your paint job. The coated steel ferrule provides structural support while the adhesive bond ensures clean performance on every stroke. Premium SRT synthetic filaments load more paint and release it evenly for a smooth streak-free finish on walls, ceilings, and trim. Works with latex, oil-based paint, primer, sealer, and wood stain.
- INCLUDES THE ANGLE STUBBY MOST SETS LEAVE OUT — Professional painters know the 2 Inch Angle Stubby is the go-to brush for tight cabinet interiors, window sashes, inside corners, and detailed trim where standard angle brushes are too long. Combined with the 1.5 and 2.5 inch angle sash brushes you have precision cutting-in covered at every scale — baseboards, crown molding, door casings, and ceiling lines.
- FLAT BRUSHES FOR BROAD SMOOTH COVERAGE ON ANY SURFACE — The 1 and 2 inch flat brushes deliver even coverage on walls, furniture, shelving, doors, fences, decks, and wood surfaces. Ideal for applying primers, stains, varnishes, polyurethane, and specialty coatings. Solid wood handles provide all-day comfort and control for both professional contractors and weekend DIY homeowners tackling interior or exterior painting projects.
- TRUSTED BY PROFESSIONAL PAINTERS AND CONTRACTORS NATIONWIDE — Pro Grade delivers professional-grade results at a price that makes sense for crews who go through brushes on every job. Ideal for property managers, remodeling contractors, apartment turnover crews, maintenance teams, and commercial painting operations. Backed by thousands of verified reviews from working painters. Washable and reusable for multiple projects.
What the winning image shows
The 2024 first-place photograph, by Dr. Bruno Cisterna with assistance from Dr. Eric Vitriol, depicts differentiated mouse brain tumor cells. Nikon’s announcement of the 2024 winners discusses the cells’ cytoskeletal framework, including actin, microtubules and nuclei, and places the image in the context of research into disease mechanisms. It is a research image—not a diagnostic picture or evidence of a treatment outcome.
Nikon Instruments’ Senior Manager of CRM and Communications, Eric Flem, described the anniversary as a tribute to the people behind the work: “At 50 years, Nikon Small World is more than just an imaging competition – it’s become a gallery that pays tribute to the extraordinary individuals who make it possible.”
Rank #2
- Great Value Pack Artist Paint Brushes: Soucolor 20 brushes in 10 sizes professional paintbrushes set — no shedding, holds paint well, cleans easily, Acrylic, watercolor, oil, gouache, Halloween pumpkin decoration & face painting, rock painting, ceramics. Fantastic high quality gifts for creative, artistic siblings to share!
- Awesome Set of Paint brushes: Professional paint brushes can cover all of your needs. The multi-purposed brushes are ideal for Watercolor, Oil, Gouache, enamel, Acrylic Painting, Body, Nail, Face Painting, Miniature, Model, Wood, Glass, Cup, Ceramic, Fine work, Art class, Craft Art Painting, DIY Art Crafts etc.
- Soft and long-lasting: The bristles are soft and strong, with nickel metal ferrules and blue wooden handles. After cleaning, the bristles will become soft and fluffy again and will not fall off.
- Easy to clean: it’s very convenient to Wash well in soap and water. Retain shape after drying. the brushes hold up very well. Nice selection to beginners and professionals. Keep them clean and they last a long time.
- Halloween Pumpkin Ceramic Crafts Supplies: A Great painting gift for family, friends, kids, girls, women, student, classmate, teacher. For using in school, travel or used in the home and office.
How the competition works
Nikon says Small World began in 1975 and showcases photography made through the light microscope. Its competition information describes a photomicrograph as both a technical document and an image to appreciate for its structure, color, composition and content.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute2Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems3Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesThe competition is open to anyone interested in microscope photography; past winners have included professionals and hobbyists. A wide range of subjects and light-microscopy methods is accepted, including phase contrast, polarized light, fluorescence, interference contrast, darkfield, confocal, deconvolution and mixed techniques. Nikon describes the judging criteria as originality, informational content, technical proficiency and visual impact.
Rank #3
- 【All sizes of art brushes】: The 10 sizes of multi-functional brushes have various shapes, making the mixing color easier, which is very suitable for artists, students, teenagers, children and painters at all levels. Wonderful Present ideas for friends and family who like painting!
- 【general brush set】: Professional paint brush can meet all your needs. Multifunctional brush is very suitable for watercolor, oil, gouache, acrylic painting, body, nail, face painting, miniature, model, ceramics, arts and crafts painting, etc.
- 【high quality process】: It is designed with anti falling bristles, anti-rust nickel ferrule and solid wood handle. You can use the brush to focus on the painting and always be creative.
- 【easy to maintain】: After using the brush, it is very convenient to clean the brush with warm soapy water and reshape the tip of the brush. Air dry the brush and place it on top of the top for long use.
- 【100% satisfaction guarantee - buy now】1 packs of set brushes, you can also get friendly customer service, any questions feel free to contact us, within 24 hours to help you! There is no risk in buying our paint brush kit.
For the 2024 edition, Nikon named a six-person judging panel whose expertise spanned photography, scientific imaging, cell biology and science communication. The judges met June 4–6 at the Marine Biological Laboratory in Woods Hole, Massachusetts. Nikon said the grand prize was increased to $5,000 for the 50th anniversary. It has not established an official total entry count for the 2024 competition.
Still photographs and microscope movies are separate categories
Nikon’s Small World in Motion is a distinct category, not another name for the still-image competition. Microscope movies began being accepted in 2011; the category covers microscope movies and digital time-lapse photography and has its own judging and prizes. Details are on Nikon’s Small World in Motion page.
Rank #4
- Bates paint brushes come in a convenient 6 pieces with 3 flat and 3 angled bristle styles, including (1”, 1.5”, 2”) flat and (1.5”, 2”, 2.5”) angled bristles, perfect for tackling any surface painting or staining job.
- The sturdy natural bristles of each brush are designed to hold more paint, creating a smoother finish with fewer streaks and saving you time on the job.
- The lightweight wooden handles provide extra comfort and ease during long painting processes like walls, trims, cabinets, and doors.
- These versatile brushes are ready-to-use, easy to clean, and can be reused multiple times, making them economical as well as reliable tools for any painting project.
- Bates paint brushes can be used for both oil-based paints as well as latex stains and are ideal for home or commercial projects such as decks, fences or DIY painting jobs.
Why the 50-year milestone refers to 2024
The 50th-anniversary description belongs to the 2024 competition. Nikon announced the following edition as the 51st annual competition in 2025, making clear that “50 years” is a milestone for that gallery rather than a current anniversary claim. Nikon also says the top 20 prize-winning images are exhibited at museums and science centers across the United States and Canada; that general information does not identify a current venue or exhibition schedule.
Trying microscope photography yourself
A beginner compound microscope and a compatible phone adapter can be a practical way to explore photography through a light microscope. There is no single required setup implied by the competition: accepted subjects and techniques vary, and Nikon does not identify one universal microscope, camera or adapter. Check that a phone adapter fits both the device and the microscope optics before buying.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- 2 Inch Angled Paint Brush for Precision Cutting-In – Designed for clean, sharp lines around trim, baseboards, ceilings, corners, and detailed edge work. The perfect size for control and coverage.
- Value 3-Pack for Pros & DIY Projects – Includes three professional 2-inch angled sash brushes — ideal for contractors, remodelers, and homeowners tackling multiple rooms or repeat paint jobs.
- Smooth Results on Walls, Trim & Cabinets – Great for interior wall painting, cabinet edges, furniture projects, and trim work where a smooth finish and crisp control matter most.
- Works with Latex Paint, Oil-Based Paint & Stains – Premium synthetic filaments hold more paint, reduce streaks, and provide a clean finish with latex paints, oil coatings, and wood stains.
- Works with Latex Paint, Oil-Based Paint & Stains – Premium synthetic filaments hold more paint, reduce streaks, and provide a clean finish with latex paints, oil coatings, and wood stains.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
