Embark on a visual journey through the realm of scientific discovery, where art meets science in breathtaking images from Imperial College London’s research photography competition.
A collection of images from Imperial College London‘s research photography competition uncovers the visual splendor of scientific discovery.
Understanding Quantum Mechanics at the Quantum Level
One of the top images in the competition, by ‘Harsh Rathee’ of the physics department, shows an optical fibre connected to a dilution refrigerator. This device creates a temperature a thousandth that of the vacuum of space, allowing researchers to explore the unique properties of matter at the quantum level.
Quantum mechanics is a branch of physics that deals with the behavior of matter and energy at an atomic and subatomic level.
It describes the physical properties of systems in terms of wave functions and probability amplitudes.
The principles of quantum mechanics, including superposition and entanglement, have been experimentally confirmed and are widely used in modern technology, such as transistors and computer chips.
Quantum mechanics is a fundamental theory that underlies many areas of physics, including electromagnetism, thermodynamics, and particle physics.
By observing how light interacts with sound waves at this incredibly low temperature, scientists can gain insights into the behavior of particles at the atomic and subatomic level. This research has far-reaching implications for our understanding of the fundamental laws of physics.
The Power of Surfactants
“Surfactants are all around us – in our soaps and detergents, they are responsible for breaking down dirt and bacteria, but their effects also underpin many biological, medical and engineering processes.” Anna Curran‘s research focuses on mathematically modelling the effect of molecules called surfactants, which reduce surface tension in fluids. These surfactants are responsible for breaking down dirt and bacteria, but their effects also underpin many biological, medical, and engineering processes.
As Curran explains, ‘Surfactants are all around us – in our soaps and detergents, they are responsible for breaking down dirt and bacteria, but their effects also underpin many biological, medical and engineering processes.’ Her research highlights the importance of surfactants in various fields, from inkjet printing to self-cleaning surfaces.
The Microcosm of Human Brain Development
Pictured above is an image from ‘Alex Kingston’ of the life sciences department, depicting part of a cerebral organoid, also known as a ‘mini-brain’. These lab-grown collections of cells are a microcosm of the earliest stages of human brain development.
This research has significant implications for our understanding of human cognition and neurological disorders. By studying the development of these mini-brains, scientists can gain insights into the complex processes that govern human brain function.
The human brain develops in a series of complex stages, beginning at conception and continuing through childhood.
The neural tube forms around 3 weeks gestation, followed by the development of brain folds and layers between 12-24 weeks.
By birth, the brain is about 25% of its adult size, with significant growth occurring during infancy and adolescence.
Myelination, which insulates nerve fibers, continues into early adulthood.
Research suggests that environmental factors, such as nutrition and experience, play a crucial role in shaping brain development.
Capturing the Beauty of Science
The images in this collection showcase the beauty and wonder of scientific discovery. From the intricate structures of quantum mechanics to the complexities of human brain development, each image offers a unique perspective on the natural world.
Science is a systematic enterprise that builds and organizes knowledge in the form of testable explanations and predictions about the universe.
It involves observing, experimenting, and collecting data to develop theories and laws that describe natural phenomena.
The scientific method, a process of observation, hypothesis, experimentation, and conclusion, is used to advance our understanding of the world.
By sharing these images, scientists can inspire a new generation of researchers and encourage the public to appreciate the beauty and importance of science.
- newscientist.com | Photography contest spotlights the beauty of science in vivid detail
