'Deeper appreciation': Art and science collide with HMRI photography

The winning photograph, titled 'Nosey Wazowski' shows coronavirus replication in the nasal respiratory epithelium. By Jason Girkin

Paths of the radiation to target and destroy cancer tissue. By Joerg Lehmann

Mini organs to personalise women's cancer treatments. By Florence Bartlett

Every circle represents cancer cells treated with a different drug. By Michelle Wong-Brown

Stem cells used to investigate chemotherapy-induced cardiovascular complications. By Tatt Jhong Raw

Cell dissociation that suggests a gynaecological tumour. By Varshini Devarapalli Venkata

Visualising Breast Cancer Biomarkers with Immunofluorescence. By Luiza Steffens Reinhardt

Flower-like glands in the colon. By Paul Tooney

Growth of donated primary human corneal epithelial cells. By Ryan Mati

Human endometriosis grown on a chip. By Riazuddin Mohammed

Crystals form in older reagents from oxidization. By Megan Clarke.

Illuminating inflammatory bowel disease complexity. By Gabriela Araujo Hoefel

An irregular-shaped endometrial cancer organoid. By Sai Guru Tharun Adapa.

The image shows a section of lung stained with Masson’s trichrome. Amanda Bielanowicz and Jane Read

A Masson’s trichrome stain.. By Jane Read and Amanda Bielanowicz

The image shows four individual egg cells fluorescently stained in a vibrant pop art style.By Alexandra Peters

Two small filter paper discs (eyes in the smiley face) placed in a plastic tube to extract drug from the blood. By Janice Johnstone

A primary neuron derived from a fetal guinea pig brain. By Roisin Moloney

The best cells of intestinal epithelium. By Ayesha Ali

Filter paper from Sirius Red/Fast Green combined dyes. By Michelle Clout

Art and science combine to spectacular effect in HMRI's Through the Lens scientific photography exhibition.

Five HMRI and University of Newcastle researchers were honoured at the opening night of the exhibition on Thursday.

Dr Jason Girkin won first prize for his photograph, titled "Nosey Wasowski", showing a coronavirus replicating in the nasal respiratory epithelium.

Associate Professor Paul Tooney was the runner-up with his photo, titled "The field of flowers lining the colon".

Megan Clarke came third with her photo, titled "Crystals you cannot see".

Alexandra Peters and Ayesha Ali were highly commended with their photos of fluorescent stained egg cells and a rare intestinal cell.

From 80 entries, 25 finalists were chosen for the exhibition.

HMRI CEO Frances Kay-Lambkin said the exhibition showed "art and science are not mutually exclusive, but two sides of the same coin".

"From the intricate details captured under the microscope to the vivid representations of our researchers' work, this exhibition takes us on a journey that transcends boundaries," she said.

Professor Kay-Lambkin said the images "foster a deeper appreciation for the beauty and importance of scientific discovery".

The exhibition of 25 images will be on display at Senta Taft Hendry Museum at Callaghan until December 12.