Snapshots from a fantastic voyage

Lynn M. Savage, Features Editor, lynn.savage@laurin.com

Over the past several years, GE Healthcare has invited users of its high-content analysis system, IN Cell Analyzer, to submit images for an annual contest. As with similar events sponsored by Nikon and Olympus, the IN Cell Image Competition showcases spectacular photos from labs around the world. Unlike the others, however, GE’s contest focuses on cells and subcellular components.

Background: Kyung-chae Jeong, National Cancer Center, South Korea. Bottom row, left to right: Carolin Zehetmeier, Morphosys AG, Germany; Zaheda Farzin, Millipore Corp., US; Anne Martinez, CEA Grenoble/iRTSV, France; Stephen Walker, Bristol-Myers Squibb, US; Reiko Nagano, National Institute for Environmental Studies, Japan. Images courtesy of GE Healthcare.

The modular IN Cell Analyzer system, which is available in several models and with various instrument setups, primarily uses epifluorescence microscopy and specialized image-acquisition software to capture highly detailed pictures, such as the ones seen here.

Several dozen scientists submit their work each year. According to GE, 70 images were accepted for the 2010 contest, which is under way, with 30 selected by jury to move to the final round of public voting.

This year’s finalists include entries from cell researchers working in cancer, neurology, malaria, autism, dermatology and other fields. The winner will be announced in a presentation at Times Square in New York next month.