Microscope images forge an extraordinary bond between science and art, said Hidenao Tsuchiya, Olympus America's Vice President and General Manager for the Scientific Equipment Group. We founded this competition to focus on the fascinating stories coming out of today's life science research laboratories. The thousands of images that people have shared with the competition over the years reflect some of the most exciting work going on in research today – work that can help shed light on the living universe and ultimately save lives. We look at BioScapes and these beautiful images as sources of education and inspiration to us and the world
U.S. Army soldiers with the 1st Battalion, 501st Infantry Regiment deployed to Combat Outpost Sabari, Afghanistan scan their area as they begin a multi-day air assault mission near the Pakistani border of eastern Afghanistan's Khost province May 2, 2012. (Photo by Staff Sgt. Joshua L. DeMotts/U.S. Air Force)
Festival goers run toward the main stage to catch the beginning of Kendrick Lamar's set during the first weekend of Coachella 2012, on April 13, 2012. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello)
A sun bear reacts to triple-digit temperatures at the Henry Doorly Zoo in Omaha, Nebraska, where the temperature reached 103 degrees Fahrenheit on July 6, 2012. (Photo by Nati Harnik/Associated Press)
The 2012 Magic Art Special Exhibition Of China is now open at the Hangzhou Peace International Exhibition and Conference Centre of the Chinese city of Hangzhou.
Photo: Visitors poses with a 3D painting during a show featuring over 50 such works in China on July 20, 2012. (Photo by Associated Press)