This image, taken from an IVF procedure, shows a human ovum (or oocyte/egg) and sperm. © MI Walker
Wellcome Image Awards 2009 exhibition, Wellcome Collection, London, October 15 2009-Spring 2010
The Wellcome Trust has released a sneak preview of one of the 19 images from this year's Wellcome Awards.
The snapshot, taken during an IVF (in vitro fertilisation) procedure, is just one of a number of impressive images in a competition featuring everything from capillary networks and liver cells to summer plankton and Bird of Paradise seeds.
The awards will be presented by scientist and broadcaster Dr Alice M Roberts on October 14, and all the images will go on public display from October 15.
"As well as deepening understanding, the art of science can also be beautiful and awe-inspiring in its own right," said Dr Roberts.
"I hope you will agree that this year's selection of Wellcome award-winning images are both stunning and thought-provoking."
To mark the 10th Wellcome Image Awards two additional categories have been added, taking in photography and illustration.
All of the images will also go on display on the Wellcome Image Awards 2009 website.
