© Atsushi Muto, Takeo Suzuki, Ryuichiro Tamochi (Hitachi Science Systems, Ltd.)
© Tamotsu Nagumo (The Nippon Dental University)
© Masahiko Idei (Bunkyo University)
The leaning tower standing dignifiedly in the evening sun-light. You may imagine the famous leaning tower of Pisa in Italy from the picture. In reality this tower is diatom called Paralia sulcata. The surface pattern was formed by oxidized silicon (SiO2) deposited on the cell wall. The pattern engraved on the husks is just micro molding beauty. How does a unicellular living thing make the structure skillfully like this? The secrets of nature gives a strong impression on us.
1st Prize. At 58th photo contest hosted by the Japanese Society of Electron Microscopy in 2002.
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