In science, discoveries depend on the power of the tools available to the investigator. Advanced telescopes reveal the secrets of deep space to astronomers, for example. Similarly for biologists, ever more sophisticated microscopes open new windows on the intricate structures and subtle processes of life, leading to scientific discovery and medical progress.

Nikon’s annual Small World competition, now in its 32nd year, celebrates the complexity and beauty of the world as captured in photographs taken through the microscope. For seven weeks, The Wistar Institute in University City will host an exhibition of the 20 winning images from the contest, which combine originality, informational content, technical proficiency, and visual impact.

Please visit The Wistar Institute for a memorable excursion into the microscopic world.

What: Nikon Small World Exhibition

Where: The Wistar Institute, 3601 Spruce Street, Philadelphia, PA, 19104

When: Monday, January 15, to Friday, March 2, 2007, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Access/Cost: Open to the public at no charge. No advance reservations needed.

Information: Franklin Hoke, 215-898-3716, hoke@wistar.org.

Science teachers: Guided tours of the exhibition are available for you and your students by special arrangement. These tours are led by James E. Hayden, manager of Wistar’s Microscopy Facility and a previous winner and judge for the Nikon Small World competition. Hayden provides an overview of the role microscopes play in biological research at Wistar today, and he explains how selected photographs from the exhibit were made and the biological significance of their subjects. To arrange a tour, please contact Franklin Hoke (215-898-3716; hoke@wistar.org).

An electronic gallery of all the winning images is available at:
www.nikonsmallworld.com.

The Wistar Institute is an international leader in biomedical research, with special expertise in cancer research and vaccine development. Founded in 1892 as the first independent nonprofit biomedical research institute in the country, Wistar has long held the prestigious Cancer Center designation from the National Cancer Institute. Discoveries at Wistar have led to the creation of the rubella vaccine that eradicated the disease in the U.S., rabies vaccines used worldwide, and a new rotavirus vaccine approved in 2006. Wistar scientists have also identified many cancer genes and developed monoclonal antibodies and other important research tools. Today, Wistar is home to eminent melanoma researchers and pioneering scientists working on experimental vaccines against flu, HIV, and other diseases. The Institute works actively to transfer its inventions to the commercial sector to ensure that research advances move from the laboratory to the clinic as quickly as possible. The Wistar Institute: Today’s Discoveries – Tomorrow’s Cures. On the web at www.wistar.org.