Soap Bubble Structures by Kym Cox. Bubbles optimise space and minimise their surface area for a given volume of air. This phenomenon makes them a useful tool in many areas of research, in particular, materials science and “packing” – how things fit together. Bubble walls drain under gravity, thin at the top, thick at the bottom, which interferes with travelling lightwaves to create bands of colour. Black spots show the wall is too thin for interference colours, indicating the bubble is about to burst. (Photo by Kym Cox/2019 Science Photographer of the Year/RPS)

Mariam Ashraf, a teacher and “natural hair influencer”, speaks before a phone on a tripod and lights during a live-stream at her home in Egypt's capital Cairo on March 22, 2022. “Shaggy”, “messy”, “unprofessional”. Natural curls were once looked down upon in Egypt, where Western beauty standards favoured sleek, straight locks. Now, things are changing. (Photo by Khaled Desouki/AFP Photo)

American singer Demi Lovato unveils her “badass” new wax figure at Madame Tussauds Las Vegas on October 1, 2024. She marveled at the likeness and attention to detail on her tattoos – joking the only thing missing is her new engagement ring. The figure is adorned in the skirt and top from Demi's Alternative Press Magazine photoshoot, with the entire look generously donated by Demi herself. (Photo by Key Lime/Madame Tussauds USA/The Mega Agency)

Ann Carrington has a penchant for collecting old things. Her treasure is other peoples trash! For the past few years, she has been collecting old pearl necklaces from junk shops and boot fairs with a view to building the awesomely majestic galleons below.

A tiny calico Scottish Fold kitten named Marimo snuggles and plays with an equally tiny baby owl named Fuku at the Hukulou Coffee House in Osaka, Japan. While the cafe is primarily focused on all things owl, the kitten is certainly getting a great deal of attention, particularly from Fuku.

This 2014 series Shanghai Tian Wa saw Chinese photographer Liu Tao train his lens on two distinct districts in Shanghai. Here: “Shanghai Tian Wai №26, 2014”. (Photo by Liu Tao/The Guardian)

A gallery assistant at the Saatchi Gallery admires a sculpture by artist Dirk Skreber entitled “Untitled (Crash 1)” on May 26, 2011 in London, England. The sculpture features in the Saatchi Gallery's exhibition, “The Shape of Things to Come: New Sculpture” which showcases work from 20 international artists. (Photo by Oli Scarff/Getty Images)