Microscopic beauty: Prize-winning photos

12th place: "3D lymphangiogenesis assay. Cells sprout from dextran beads embedded in fibrin gel. (200x)"

The Nikon International Small World photography contest shines a light on the very small. For decades, the contest has showcased the beauty of photomicrography -- photographs taken through a microscope. Out of 2,000 submissions, the contest chose twenty standouts to honor.

Credit: Esra Guc/ Nikon Small World