Embryos of the species Molossus rufus

Physicist and scientific innovator Albert Einstein said that "all religions, arts, and sciences are branches of the same tree," and the Nikon International Small World Photomicrography Competition brings powerful proof of the artlike beauty of science.

The competition is regarded as the leading forum for showcasing the beauty and complexity of our life as seen through the light microscope -- highlighting the colors, forms, lines, and life of the infinitely tiny world that exists all around us.

From abstract images of common fruit flies to research photographs of the development of the embryos of zebra fish, photographs taken through the eyes of microscopes show the power of such imaging to the academic community as well as its accessibility to those who simply appreciate the art of photography.

Dorit Hockman from Cambridge university's Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience captured this image of embryos of the species Molossus rufus, the black mastiff bat.

This image was awarded 20th place in the competition. Click through the slide show to take a look at the rest of the Top 20 winners.