Inverted research microscope in a SAU laboratory
A Southern Arkansas University biology professor has won an honorable mention in the Nikon Small World in Motion competition for a video showing sea urchin embryos developing under a microscope.
Dr. James Hyde, associate professor of biology at SAU, recorded the video for his developmental biology class last year. It follows recently fertilized sea urchin embryos as they grow from single cells into fully mobile multicellular embryos.
“This was a big honor,” Hyde said. “There are about 300 to 400 submissions every year. To be recognized with an honorable mention is really good.”
Hyde said the recognition came as a surprise.
“We just kind of submitted it on a whim. It was a shock when I found out we had won,” he said.
Hyde filmed the embryos with an inverted research microscope in a SAU laboratory. His students helped place the embryos on the microscope, which gave them hands-on research experience.
“I used one of our specialized research microscopes to record a live video of recently fertilized sea urchin embryos developing from single cells to fully mobile multicellular embryos,” Hyde said.
Image of fertilized sea urchin embryos
Nikon Small World is one of the largest microscopy competitions in the world. It began more than 50 years ago and draws entries from around the globe. Its Small World in Motion category recognizes video taken through a microscope.
Hyde’s video can be viewed on Nikon’s website.
About SAU:
Southern Arkansas University provides students with the complete college experience in a caring environment of service, innovation, and community. With more than 100 degrees in four distinct colleges and the School of Graduate Studies, SAU initiates new degree programs to fit the needs of career and professional demands of today. As part of this commitment, SAU proudly offers the Next Step Guarantee program, ensuring that students receive the necessary resources, career guidance, and support to transition successfully from college to their chosen careers or graduate studies.
