Capturing the woven interconnectivity of human energy
Till Stephan has always been fascinated by the endless ways that nature is organized and the unseen ways that it functions. Within the human body, this organization is extremely complex, with trillions of cells associating into groups to form functional units.
When working with heart muscle cells (cardiomyocytes) as part of his research work, Stephan became particularly intrigued by the special striated organization of the actin cytoskeleton that forms sarcomeres—the structures responsible for heart contraction. Crucial for the human heart’s energy supply, these structures, along with interconnected mitochondrial networks, can be viewed as a beautifully woven tapestry representing their essential connection to all human life.
Stephan, of Germany, was selected as Evident’s 5th Annual Image of the Year Award EMEA winner for his vivid, captivating image of a group of cardiomyocytes derived from induced pluripotent stem cells. In recognition of his winning submission, he received his choice of an Olympus CX23 upright microscope or SZ61 stereo microscope.
Congratulations on being named our EMEA winner! What does your winning image show us?
The image depicts cardiomyocytes (heart muscle cells) derived from human induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells. These cells are stained to highlight the F-actin cytoskeleton (orange) and mitochondria (cyan).
Evident Image of the Year EMEA winner: Heart cells derived from induced pluripotent stem cells. Captured by Till Stephan (Germany).
What did you find personally exciting about this image?
I am fascinated by the special striated organization of the actin cytoskeleton, which forms sarcomeres—the structures responsible for heart contraction. Additionally, the highly interconnected mitochondrial networks, crucial for energy supply, stand out.
How did you create this image?
The cells were chemically fixed and stained with fluorescently labeled phalloidin and an antibody against mitochondrial ATP synthase. The image was captured using a confocal laser scanning microscope with a 100X oil objective. The image covers an area of 680 × 340 micrometers.
How did you discover the sample you used to create this image?
The sample was produced as part of a research project investigating mitochondrial organization in heart cells.
Why did you choose this image as your entry for the competition?
This image nicely captures the complex architecture of individual cells and demonstrates how they can associate into groups to form a functional unit.
Is there a message inspired by this image?
Microscopy is a vital tool in life sciences. It allows researchers to study individual cells at a subcellular level, unveiling the diversity and complexity of cellular structures and processes.
Does this image help benefit scientific research?
Induced pluripotent stem cells are a powerful research tool with the potential for medical applications. Since heart cells cannot regenerate after damage, cardiomyocytes derived from these cells one day may be routinely used to repair heart injuries.
For almost a decade, Till Stephan has been using fluorescence microscopy to reveal the beauty of life at the micrometer and nanometer scale.
When did you first learn to use a microscope?
I first encountered a microscope in school. My interest in life sciences led me to study biochemistry. During my Bachelor’s, I began using fluorescence microscopes, and during my PhD, I specialized in super-resolution fluorescence microscopy.
What first gave you the idea that microscopes could be used to create art?
Nature is the ultimate artist, and fluorescence microscopy reveals its beauty. During my PhD, I realized these images could captivate others, leading me to share them, e.g., on social media.
How long have you been creating art with a microscope?
For eight years.
What do you find most fascinating about microscopy?
I am captivated by the beauty of life at the micrometer and nanometer scale, as well as the vivid, colorful fluorescence that reveals the unseen.
A more detailed view of actin cytoskeleton structures. Captured by Till Stephan.
Where do you think this fascination stems from?
I've always been intrigued by how nature is organized and how it functions. Humanity’s desire to understand the world drives us to build tools like telescopes and microscopes to explore the invisible on all scales.
What do you do professionally?
I am a biochemist and cell biologist.
What kind of experience do you have with Evident and Olympus microscopes?
Olympus microscopes are essential in many life science labs. Our super-resolution setups are often based on Olympus microscope bodies and objective lenses.
