Steve Gschmeissner: Tiny Beauty in Scientific Art #
Key Takeaways #
- Steve Gschmeissner is a scientific photographer who creates stunning electron micrographs of microscopic subjects, including viruses, bacteria, insects, and even cancer cells.
- His work is both scientifically accurate and aesthetically pleasing, making it accessible to a wide audience.
- Gschmeissner emphasizes the importance of visual storytelling in science, particularly in showcasing the complex details of cells and microorganisms.
- He has witnessed a growing appreciation for the beauty and importance of the microscopic world, including bacteria and fungi.
- His work has inspired artists, designers, and even cancer patients, demonstrating the power of imagery to connect with people on a personal level.
Key Quotes #
“I love looking at insects because of their complex anatomical details. I don’t know what I’m going to see under the microscope, so I often find things that are unexpected or visually interesting.”
“People who have cancer have said to me, ‘Seeing the image helps me relate to my cancer.’ Or, ‘I know what I’m up against.’”
“We have millions and millions of symbiotic bacteria. We would die without them — they play an essential part in food digestion, and help to train the immune system. The microscopic world, the bacterial world, the fungal world: the world wouldn’t exist as we know it without them.”
From Zoology to Scientific Photography #
- Gschmeissner began his career in zoology and electron microscopy in the department of anatomy at the Royal College of Surgeons of England.
- He later worked at Cancer Research UK, leading electron-microscopy services before venturing into commercial image production.
- He credits Rose Taylor, the creative director at Science Photo Library, for helping him realize the commercial potential of his work.
Capturing Stories in Micrographs #
- Gschmeissner collaborates with scientists, such as Greg Towers, a molecular virologist at University College London, to create images of viruses, cancer cells, and other microscopic subjects.
- His recent work on cancer-cell death under chemotherapy showcases the different modes of cell death, including apoptosis (programmed cell death) and necrosis (uncontrolled cell death).
- He emphasizes the importance of visual representation in making scientific research accessible to the public.
Technical Aspects of Electron Microscopy #
- Gschmeissner uses a scanning electron microscope (SEM) to create his images.
- He rents time on an SEM at the School of Pharmacy at University College London.
- The process of creating a high-quality image can take several days, involving sample preparation, imaging, and image processing.
- This includes culturing, preserving, drying, coating, photographing, coloring, and captioning the subject.
- He has refined his coloring techniques over time, using software advancements and personal experience.
The Microscopic World: A Source of Beauty and Wonder #
- Gschmeissner finds viruses particularly fascinating due to their difficult visualization by other methods.
- He enjoys exploring the complex anatomical details of insects and often discovers unexpected subjects during his research.
- He describes how he found mites and hoverfly larva feeding on fungus while examining infected raspberries.
- He highlights the vital role of bacteria and fungi in our biomes, emphasizing that without them, the world wouldn't exist as we know it.
Conclusion #
Steve Gschmeissner's work demonstrates the potential of scientific imaging to communicate complex scientific concepts in a compelling and accessible way. His images not only showcase the beauty and complexity of the microscopic world but also inspire and educate a broad audience about the importance of research and the fascinating details of our world beyond human vision.