Micronaut - the blog!

Considered by some as the 'Oscars of Photography'...

2011-10-03T16:36:00.010+02:00

...the 'Int' Photography Awards / Lucy Awards' currently represent the most comprehensive photography contest at the international level.

Nedless to say that Micronaut feels very honored to be awarded 'International Photographer of the Year' in the category: 'SPECIAL-MICRO' professional by winning both, 1st and 2nd prize at the same time.

For the winning entry 'Cursed Knights' Micronaut is also nominated for the grand title. The name of the overall winner will be revealed on Monday, October 24th, 2011, during the annual IPA-celebration, Frederick P. Rose Hall, Jazz at Lincoln Center, New York City.

More than a 1'000 words...

2011-09-16T14:43:00.003+02:00

It's not a good photograph, really. But it tells you more than 1'000 words. Do you see the cool guy strolling in the background ?

That's Herbert the (...) cat - and he knows the full story!

PNAS Cover...

2011-09-07T15:20:00.005+02:00

...a new Micronaut Cover has been released by the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS). It shows the interaction of an invisibly small pathogen (Helicobacter pylori) with human host cells.

A Surreal Creature...

2011-09-06T17:04:00.003+02:00

...has come a long way to make it onto the 'Image of the Month' section, at Micronaut.ch

International Images for Science Exhibition...

2011-09-04T23:01:00.012+02:00

Scientists have always needed to communicate their discoveries by pictorial documentation in the form of photographs. But despite the important role photography has played and still plays in scientific disciplines, the last exhibition of scientifically applied photographic pictures in London, dates back to 1974.

Therefore, The Royal Photographic Society has nominated 50 images from the world's leading, scientific photographers, researchers, engineers, technologists and scientists to create the 'International Images for Science' exhibition which is currently on show at Fenton House (Bath, UK).

It aims to present an overview on new technologies, which have revolutionized the field of scientific photography over the last 30 years: "We used to say: if you see it, you can photograph it. But today, you have to say: even if you don't see it, you can photograph it" says Exhibition Director Afzal Ansary, of The Royal Photographic Society... read more

Today's Backup-Skyline...

2011-09-03T11:24:00.001+02:00

...reminds me on New York :-)

A new Miconaut cover...

2011-09-01T23:42:00.005+02:00

...was recently published by 'The EMBO Journal' !

To illustrate the research area of muscular dystrophy, The magazine has decided to decorate their August 2011 cover with a color SEM image, depicting Mouse skeletal muscle fibres.

The image was prepared and captured by Micronaut in collaboration with Markus Ruegg's lab at the Biocenter, University of Basel, Switzerland... read more.

The new Micronaut Book is out... !

2011-07-17T16:34:00.002+02:00

Micronavigating between Science + Art by Martin Oeggerli | Make Your Own Book

Napoleon's killer revealed

2011-07-03T16:41:00.008+02:00

Helicobacter pylori is a bacterial pathogen involved in gastric cancer. The species' helix shape facilitates penetration into the mucoid lining of the stomach.

Recent research states that it shares a common past with modern humans for over 60'000 years. Historical data further suggests French Emperor Napoleon (1769-1821) as the most famous victim of this pathogen.

More images of bacteria on Micronaut.ch

'Image of the month' - June 2011

2011-06-16T11:47:00.006+02:00

The new image of the month on Micronaut.ch shows the surface of a mosquito egg (Culex pipiens). European mosquitoes lay their water-repellent eggs directly onto the water surface, where they form large aggregations ('egg-rafts'). To avoid drowning, the eggs are equipped with a spectacular looking superhydrophobic surface. High-tech designed by nature... enjoy!

New Apprentice...

2011-06-14T09:33:00.004+02:00

Cleo (-patra) eagerly follows any movements of the cursor, during the coloration process. Ready to catch unsuspecting prey, no matter how small (actually, the image section I was working on at that time, was magnified more than 8'000-times).

Mosquito pupae

2011-05-12T15:44:00.001+02:00

Together with the most recent images, also the mosquito pupae can now be found in our newly updated insect section. See online gallery at Micronaut.ch

Great suspense to be expected...

2011-03-30T12:06:00.004+02:00

An impressive private collection of parasites (gift of René Gerber, Switzerland) allows Micronaut to investigate "a mysterious world full of surprises".

Despite their notoriously bad reputation, parasites are outstanding -and often surprisingly beautiful- animals, which show remarkable adaptations to their way of life and host.

Believe it or not - you will see soon enough.

Open heart surgery...

2011-03-10T11:51:00.002+01:00

Micronaut's ultra-fast new notebook, as it is being pimped with an additional 1 TB storage.

Drowning in the snow...

2011-03-07T10:40:00.002+01:00

Around X-mas usually dozens of Micronaut calendars have to be shipped daily to places in Portugal, Italy, Canada, Taiwan, Australia, or the USA.

Whilst the vast majority travels fast and save, one piece got lost just around the corner (Germany). The german post has finally returned it with 3 months delay. However, the address turns out to be perfectly right (initially the official reason for the delivery failure) and the german post continued to explain, that they were unable to deliver the envelope due to heavy snow in December 2010. Right, but to return the package was no problem... must be kind of logic, but I don't get it.

Needless to say the customer will get his piece for free - at least if it does not fall victim to the upcoming summer heat... I keep you posted ;-)

'Image of the month' - March 2011...

2011-03-01T12:00:00.002+01:00

The new image of the month on Micronaut.ch shows the beautiful pollen grains of a common snowdrop (magnification 1'370:1).

Ich bin ein Berliner...

2010-12-20T17:11:00.003+01:00

...well, you know this is not true. But despite the cold, I very much enjoy my trip to Berlin. The river Spree carries sheets of ice - can't believe my eyes. I've never seen this in a river in Switzerland, actually.

'Images of Research' - 'Bilder der Forschung'...

2010-12-19T17:21:00.016+01:00

...a slave of detail in front of his winning entry 'What's the face of cancer?', which was exhibited at large during the award ceremony in Berlin.

'Images of Research' represents one of the most popular scientific photography competitions worldwide. The jury annually presents outstanding images from two categories ('Fascination of Research' and 'Faces of Research'). In parallel, the traveling exhibition has attracted more than four million people since 2005.

'Images of Research' - 'Bilder der Forschung'...

2010-12-19T09:56:00.009+01:00

...yes, it's the same guy, posing in front of another winning image (3rd place, category 'Fascination of Research' 2009). The image depicts two florets from a small composite plant (a daisy flower, to be precise) and thereby demonstrates intraspecific diversity as a powerful result of evolution acting over millions of years.

Micronaut has devoted this work to the english Naturalist Sir Charles Darwin, which was born 1809 and published the groundbraking theory about evolution through natural selection at the age of 50.

'Image of the Month' - Dec 2010...

2010-12-08T16:45:00.014+01:00

...on Micronaut.ch (December 2010) shows prostate cancer cells cultured in vitro at the University Hospital in Basel. Exploring the functional properties and interaction of cancer cells leads to a better unterstanding of the progression from primary tumour to metastatic disease in the future.

Preparing, scanning and coloring the image took more than 1 week in total. The original frame measures 100x70 cm (39x27 in) and offers countless, most delicate cell-cell interactions.

Asian Design Lamp... ?

2010-12-01T17:01:00.002+01:00

Micronaut's new feature story 'Exquisite Castaways' has been released by National Geographic Japan.

While the egg of a Julian Heliconian seems to be the prototype of asiatic design, the species is native to South-America.

NATURE | Vol 467 | 2 September 2010...

2010-10-10T13:44:00.005+02:00

A new Micronaut image has been published by Nature... >> read more

Lecture at Congress Centre Loewenburg, Murten...

2010-10-10T11:44:00.007+02:00

At the annual conference of the IABES (International Association of Butterfly Exhibitors and Suppliers) - Micronaut spoke about butterfly eggs and their surprisingly diverse shapes and breathtaking surface structures.

International Photography Awards (IPA)...

2010-10-09T11:57:00.005+02:00

Preview: The world's premiere showcase of photographic talent, the IPA salutes the achievements of the world's finest photographers 2010. Award-winning entries will be presented in a celebration at the Alice Tully Theatre, Lincoln Center, New York on Wednesday, October 27, 2010.

Micronaut receives a 2nd place in the 'Special: Micro-' category and two honorable mentions for the Fine Art in parallel. Read more.

Exquisite Castaways...

2010-10-09T11:29:00.000+02:00

...is Micronaut's second article for National Geographic has been published in the September issue 2010. The article is accessible in various languages.

Please feel free to browse the Photographer's gallery, if you wish to see more images of insect eggs.

The Truth about Quality...

2010-08-09T17:59:00.005+02:00

"Quality is never an accident. It is the result of high intention, sincere effort, skillful execution and intelligent choice of many alternatives"

citation (author unknown)

Exhibition "Science Photography"

2010-07-14T16:39:00.007+02:00

Here are some impressions from the 'German Scientific Photographer - Exhibition', currently hosted by the 'Haus der Wissenschaft' in Braunschweig.

What a beautiful day II/II

2010-05-20T19:12:00.002+02:00

...and an other view from the same building.

What a beautiful day I/II

2010-05-20T19:01:00.004+02:00

A happy Micronaut walks out of the building after an exciting day at National Geographic headquarters in Washington D.C...

The NBC front page appearence...

2010-04-30T15:33:00.016+02:00

...of a spectacular Micronaut Pollen Gallery almost ended up with the collapse of my server, two days ago. And thousands of curious visitors keep coming in... !

"Martin, everyone loves your works, and we'd love to see more...", explains NBC Multimedia Editor, Jonathan D. Woods.

Micronaut in the press

2010-04-09T18:07:00.005+02:00

An interview about the artist has been released by the Swiss Centre for Allergy, Skin and Asthma (AHA!).

The PDF is available in French and German:

- Faszination des Unsichtbaren (D)

- Monde fascinante de l'invisible (F)

'Es liegt was in der Luft'

2010-03-30T18:28:00.009+02:00

Der Artikel über Pollen von Micronaut ist nun auch in Deutsch erhältlich.

Dies in der aktuellen Ausgabe von National Geographic (April 2010), erhältlich im Buchhandel oder an jedem Kiosk.

- Artikel 'Liebe liegt in der Luft'

- Bildgalerie 'Liebe liegt in der Luft'

"An egg...

2010-02-24T09:19:00.007+01:00

...is always an adventure; the next one may be different"

A visionary thought by Oscar Wilde.

Micronaut interview

2010-01-06T18:56:00.019+01:00

a brandnew Micronaut interview will air on Thursday, January 7th. Martin will shed light on the adventurous life of pollen grains and discuss the making of his National Geographic article with host Gee-Jay Jenny / LIVINGROOM FM.

The interview will be broadcasted live, between 7-10 pm, on UKW 107.6 MHZ (Radio Basilisk).

A series of photos from the event is available here.

Zooloose II

2009-12-25T10:19:00.003+01:00

The image shows 3 images (representing the MINI single edition) side-by-side with gift boxes.

>> more information

Zooloose I

2009-12-25T09:25:00.009+01:00

Micronaut's hot MINI edition is now available in Basel's trend fashion store 'Zooloose'.

The image shows a series of MINI singles, produced upon request for a client, last week.

safely cushioned inside...

2009-12-24T09:54:00.004+01:00

...the Micronaut® MINI-collection and heavyweight -single editions (=1kg) are now shipped in an attractive gift box, to make the upacking of your present an even more unique experience.

The image shows the gift box during the production process (offset printing). Gift box and its content are manufactured in Switzerland, at the highest possible standard.

secret backstage images...

2009-12-22T00:51:00.009+01:00

...show Micronaut during the interview with TV Bremen and afterwards, imitating KISS frontman Gene Simmons. DP award-ceremony in Bremen, Germany.

>> further information

nearly sold out...

2009-12-21T09:37:00.000+01:00

...just 10 Micronaut Calendars 2010 remain in our stock.

>> further information

画像 ...?!?

2009-12-13T19:39:00.016+01:00

...AHA!!

Found in the december issue of the japanese National Geographic.

Micronaut on TV

2009-12-08T19:29:00.007+01:00

Watch Micronaut's appearance on RADIO BREMEN, at the award celebration of the 'German Scientific Photographer 2010' in Bremen, Germany.

>> radio bremen

the reportage about the award begins after 54 seconds...

I definitely love to visit bookstores these days...

2009-12-08T18:50:00.006+01:00

during a trip to Bremen, I unexpectedly detected an article about the DP award 2009 in a local book store, at Hamburg main station, while looking out for some interesting new literature to read on the train (see at left).

Later, still in the same store, my eyes came across the french issue of National Geographic, including the article about pollen (middle and right), and both corners of my mouth tried to scratch my ears.

let's make a promenade together... part III/III

2009-12-08T17:42:00.009+01:00

Herbert-the-lazy-guy finally back in his 'office', doing what he does for almost 24h-a-day. The rest of the time he is either eating or 'explaining' his cheeky sister, that HE is number 1 in town (respectively at home), and she is number 2.

let's make a promenade together... part II/III

2009-12-08T17:40:00.002+01:00

Herbert-the-wimp during the promenade, after he heard an unfamiliar noise...

let's make a promenade together... part I/III

2009-12-08T17:29:00.007+01:00

Herbert-the-king demonstratively convincing me to go for an adventurous walk, instead of constantly working in front of this boring computer...

National Geographic: 'Love is in the air...'

2009-11-26T18:22:00.001+01:00

...is the sweet title for Micronaut's first article, published by the National Geographic (Dec 2009).

Merely known for their allergic potential, pollen grains will probably ruin a couple of our days next spring again. Whatsoever, what most of us don't know is that they are extremely beautiful and surely range among the most fascinating living things on earth.

>> check it out !

Micronaut FINE ART

2009-11-26T18:03:00.002+01:00

The MINI - open edition will soon be available with an attractive package.

MINI - open edition 'collection': 3 frames (14x14cm, weight: 175g, each)

MINI - open edition 'single': 1 frame (20x20cm, weight: 1'000g)

>> more

Micronaut on YouTube

2009-11-22T20:54:00.003+01:00

watch Micronaut's new appearance on YouTube >> link

Hi folks...

2009-11-21T00:50:00.003+01:00

...let me introduce myself: I'm Herbert, Cleopatra's big brother and I can take a jump from stand to 1.82 m (but only if I absolutely feel like).

Micronaut Calendar 2010

2009-11-18T17:19:00.005+01:00

the Micronaut Calendar 2010 is now available

- format: 29.7 x 10.5 cm

- pages: 14 / table-top

- sheets: 250g matte paper

- Micronaut-members: CHF 39.- / USD 39.- / EUR 29.- (normal prize: CHF 49.- / USD 49.- / EUR 35.-)

>> more

National Geographic: vote for a Micronaut-cover... !!

2009-11-11T12:01:00.026+01:00

"Pomagajte uredniku pri izbiri naslovnice. Kliknite na tisto, ki vam je najbolj všeč!"

...as it turns out you just need to click on the link below and then on one of the images (if possible on the one with the geranium pistil, please ;-). If you have installed more than one browser on your computer, it's possible to vote from different browsers, e.g. Firefox, Safari, Opera, Explorer, ...

After successful voting, your cursor will change from a small white hand into a black arrow and in parallel, the current percentage count will be displayed above each image... it currently looks very promising.

addendum (25th Nov 2009): voting closed with Micronaut in pole-position, looking forward to see this cover printed

Many thanks to all voters !!

rumble in the jungle

2009-11-10T21:30:00.002+01:00

...a tribute to historic miss kitty - Cleopatra, and her foolish gang.

Micronaut on display at Congress Centre, Davos

2009-10-27T12:09:00.009+01:00

Micronaut was invited to the SVA - annual meeting in Davos (22-25th oct 2009) as a speaker and to display new images.

At the stand we were always busy thanks to the popularity of our brand new MINI FINE ART - editions (see on the left)... very nice, indeed. More images will follow soon.

Many thanks to Claire Mauderli and Bruno Gutknecht / SVA for the invitation and hospitality and to my sweetheart Sarina for the terrific support!

preparing an upcoming exhibition & speech at home

2009-10-20T11:33:00.004+02:00

Curious Cleo was happy to follow step-by-step the preparation of an upcoming speech (at Congress Centre Davos, 22th oct 2009). Watching slides turning up and disappearing must be fascinating for a well educated PowerPoint-cat...

local newspaper (Basler Zeitung)

2009-10-18T15:29:00.001+02:00

...have you ever seen two daisies chatting with each other?

Link to BaZ

The award winning images are now available as FINE ART in various formats

University Hospital Basel

2009-10-17T20:45:00.009+02:00

Currently (only until Thursday 22. 10. 2009), the award-winning series of images is on show at the entrance of the Institute of Pathology. Please feel free to visit them.

Pieces represent MICRONAUT FINE ART MINI-single versions.

Format: 20x20cm with thick 20mm acrylic cover finish.

Weight: 1kg each

Price: CHF 169.- each

Location Map

University Hospital Basel 2

2009-10-16T21:21:00.000+02:00

spontaneous message from motherboard

2009-10-15T11:03:00.000+02:00

"Please accept some instructions first - accept now? Yes / No" critizised my mobile phone, after it slipped out of my trouser pocket and (accidentially ) dropped to the floor.

Hmm... seems someone is trying to puff oneself up!

freakshow in the lab...

2009-10-13T21:01:00.002+02:00

...an incredibly lazy bunch of buddies is going to stare at me, while I have to make my hands dirty all alone - again!!

'German Scientific Photographer of the Year'

2009-10-06T18:45:00.008+02:00

Micronaut is proud to announce, that he has just received the 'German Scientific Photographer of the Year' award 2009! The awarded series of images named 'The Evolution in Flowering Plants'. Composite flower heads look like big single flowers, but they are composed of numerous individual 'florets' or single flowers. "The images explain an entirely complex process at first sight", says the author. Actually, 2009 is the 200th anniversary of Charles Darwin, who published his groundbraking 'Theory of Evolution' in 1859. Therefore Micronaut has dedicated his series of images to the ingenious english naturalist. Link: BDW Awards 2009

honestly - it's a nice compliment...

2009-09-10T14:15:00.010+02:00

What you see here is a cat trying madly to eradicate two waterdrops displayed on different prints. I just added reflexes to the surface of a waterdrop, scanned with an SEM, then printed out both frames and placed them on the floor to decide which frame works best... attentively observed by Cleopatra, which even checked under the sheets before finally giving up fully disappointed.

Micronaut marks the spot!

2009-09-09T19:01:00.000+02:00

Storied places and creatures that once had been as remote as the stars are now familiar thanks to Micronaut's cutting-edge technology and ingenious coloration.

Read more about Micronaut's latest activities on XYMARA

introducing Micronaut FINE ART

2009-08-30T12:30:00.014+02:00

Micronaut artworks are award-winning images from the invisible world. Selected works are now available in various new editions and formats !

Produced with outstanding printing technique and a passion for the detail, the brilliant prints come along neatly sealed with acryl coverglass and additionally with a backsided frame-construction, making sure everything is well prepared for the hung-up...

...learn more at: www.Micronaut.ch

Lennart Nilsson Award 2009

2009-08-17T18:55:00.001+02:00

Micronaut has been named a runner-up for the prestigious Lennart Nilsson Award for 2009.

the naked truth about daisies

2009-06-20T02:19:00.008+02:00

With inimitably clear vision, Sir Charles Darwin wrote in 1859 (!): "Flowers rank amongst the most beautiful productions of nature, but this beauty serves merely as a guide to insects, in order that the flower may be visited and fertilized." The image displays eight different steps during the coloration process, using the single florescence from a composite as an example. Just finished this a few minutes ago, 2:10 a.m. friday night. © Martin Oeggerli / www.Micronaut.ch, 2009. All rights reserved.

Nature publication

2009-06-09T11:52:00.008+02:00

todays headlines at nature.com feature a most impressive publication of Florence Clavaguera et al (Transmission and spreading of tauopathy in transgenic mouse brain; Nature Cell Biology, 7 June 2009. doi:10.1038/ncb1901), with an eye-catcher by Micronaut on display!

literature reviewer

2009-06-08T21:44:00.000+02:00

Cleopatra and her favourite literature

new header on Micronaut-the blog!

2009-06-05T16:10:00.031+02:00

What the hek is this?! Well, it was a lot of work but unfortunately the silly flower seemed not to harbour a single pollen grain at all. So I tried to get close enough to maybe find some nasty bacteria at least -to make the best out of the situation. But what resembles bacteria at first sight turns out to be the smallest pollen grains in the kingdom of plants. Indeed, those marvellous things measure only 4.5µm in length and still hoste the complete male genome safely inside. It's a miracle! © Martin Oeggerli / www.Micronaut.ch, 2009. All rights reserved.

Spacecenter LIMITED Edition

2009-06-02T23:41:00.003+02:00

The Spacecenter LIMITED edition is a co-production of b-form's top-notch designer Bernhard Strub and Micronaut. 5 different models are available, each limited to 99 pieces only. All handmade in unique quality, of course! Available on request, for additional information and pricing see: www.b-form.ch .

...and Micronaut is here to stay!

2009-04-27T12:47:00.001+02:00

the virgin birth of...

2009-04-26T22:45:00.000+02:00

what's up in Professor Rüegg's lab... ?

2008-10-29T14:26:00.014+01:00

Raptor, an essential component of mTOR complex 1, determines the metabolic and structural state of skeletal muscles. The image shows a scanning electron micrograph of a cut mouse skeletal muscle. The sample was artificially colorized to visualize the different cellular structures. Connective tissue and extracellular components (white color) surround the muscle, which consists of individual muscle fibers (red). Muscle fiber types, whose distribution is affected in raptor-deficient skeletal muscle, are symbolized by the variation in red. For further information see Bentzinger et al, Cell Metab. 2008. Nov;8(5):411-24. © Martin Oeggerli / www.Micronaut.ch, 2008. All rights reserved.

hey sista'...

2008-10-15T23:27:00.004+02:00

...all clothes are fucked. So, what are we going to play next? Filou and Artemis ("Klöni") wide awake. Diva ("Jada") in the background just before joining the vicious party. Image: © Martin Oeggerli 2008.

Bilder der Forschung

2008-09-18T18:45:00.000+02:00

The winners of the competition 2008. Image: Marc Steinmetz, the winner of „Faces of Research“, was represented by his proud father (at left, holding the certificate with the picture of his son) vertreten. Photographer Gottfried Stoppel (at right) won the public award and Swiss photographer-scientist Martin Oeggerli (middle) holds both certificates for 1st and 2nd price in the category 'Fascination of Research'.

Credit: W. Heider-Sawall / FM.

Best Research Image 2008 I

2008-09-17T23:56:00.004+02:00

...on the way to the gala party we found this street by chance. Sarina didn't need to ask twice. Image © Martin Oeggerli / www.Micronaut.ch 2008.

Best Research Image 2008 II

2008-09-17T00:13:00.006+02:00

Finally, Micronaut in front of his winning images: Waterbacteria (1st place) and Insect egg (2nd). I have been told by the jury that choosing the winner between both images was difficult and has been a disputed decision. All images are presented anonymously, after all. Image © Martin Oeggerli / www.Micronaut.ch 2008. All rights reserved.

Best Research Image 2008 III

2008-09-17T00:11:00.004+02:00

Heeelp - they are giving me a huge bunch of flowers, two diplomas and a micro, too... ! By the way, look at my highly sophisticated foot position: yes Sir, I play tennis (and it really helps in such a situation). Image: © Martin Oeggerli / www.Micronaut.ch 2008. All rights reserved.

Best Research Image 2008 IV

2008-08-17T00:02:00.010+02:00

Be sure I didn't miss many Knoff-Hoff shows in my life: chair of the jury, charming and expert talkmaster all in one person Joachim Bublath was in good-humour, too. Image © Martin Oeggerli / www.Micronaut.ch 2008. All rights reserved.

love at first sight...

2008-06-11T07:53:00.001+02:00

Cleopatra, mother of six, and her beautiful daughter Jada, which meanwhile listens to her new name "Diva" and helps to protect Switzerland from beeing overpopulated by mice! Image: © Martin Oeggerli / ® Micronaut 2008. All rigths reserved.

the stomach-contents of a...

2008-06-09T09:25:00.001+02:00

CPD (Critical Point Dryer). Note the bursting disc (blue arrow) ensures safety, if the pressure passes the limit. I had the pleasure once to see it in full action and I'm not especially keen on making the experience again: the explosion made the machine jump up from the table but interestingly, my samples remained unharmed. I later produced some of my finest images ever... !!

the 6-pack of the year!

2008-06-09T07:56:00.004+02:00

...one came after the other until we finally got 6 young (and additionally two adults) by 3 a.m. After 30 days our place had slowly but continuously turned into a cat playground and on an ordinary day you could see e.g. three cats climbing up the sacred National Geographic Magazine collection while one was trying to catch Roger Federers passing shots on TV, another was using its razor sharp claws to climb up your naked leg, while the last one was constantly trying to bite off your toes. Thus, wearing jeans and shoes at home became the golden rule!

my dayjob

2008-06-08T22:42:00.003+02:00

Cell publication

2008-05-28T14:09:00.009+02:00

This image shows dividing Caulobacter crescentus cells attached to a solid substrate via their stalk and holdfast structures. Published in: Paul et al, Cell. 2008 May 2;133(3):452-61. Erratum in Cell. 2008 May 30;133(5):928. Image: © Martin Oeggerli / www.Micronaut.ch, 2008. All rights reserved. With kind support by FHNW, Life Sciences, Muttenz.

Mrs. Cleopatra

2008-04-08T22:44:00.002+02:00

after - and before...

2008-04-01T22:37:00.001+02:00

...choosing a frame with an SEM is like watching TV in the 30-ies. Take home message: high-quality SEM-images can't be produced quick & dirty!! Image: © Martin Oeggerli / ® Micronaut.ch 2008. All rights reserved.

SF1 - Aeschbacher I

2008-03-13T23:05:00.008+01:00

As it happens: Micronaut supporters follow the TV interview on-site. From left to right: my father Bruno and my mother Margrit (both guilty for my addiction to images), my girlfriend Sarina, to which I cannot possibly express the depth of my gratitude, our faithful friend Rebecca, my cousin Sina and her boyfriend Andreas enjoy the event. Image © Martin Oeggerli / www.Micronaut.ch 2008.

SF1 - Aeschbacher II

2008-03-13T21:10:00.004+01:00

1st prize 'Scientific Cover Image 2008'

2008-03-10T13:51:00.002+01:00

The EMBO Journal Cover Contest 2008 has a winner! A coloured SEM image of Urediniomycete spores prepared by Martin Oeggerli, received the most praise from the jury and was selected as the winner in the "scientific" section of the contest, from among more than 700 submissions: "I found this spectacular situation in the central part of a fungal fruit body while exploring the sudden death of a tiny plant that used to grow just outside my front door", writes the author. "Apparently, a fungus had destroyed it entirely within a few days. The spores are just about 4.3µm in diameter." © Martin Oeggerli / www.Micronaut.ch, 2008. All rights reserved.

Switzerland at it's best: Flüelen

2008-03-08T23:00:00.004+01:00

Flüelen is a very beautiful spot and I love the get there not only because an SEM is waiting for me but also to meet my dear colleagues and friends Edith and Hermann Zgraggen. Expert microscopists & good people is not the norm. You can bet your life on that!! (please note the two !). Image: © Martin Oeggerli ® Micronaut 2008.

Mr. Goldfinger

2008-01-08T22:37:00.002+01:00

Biological samples are usually non-conductive and need a thin layer of gold or gold-paladium on top. Image: © Martin Oeggerli / ® Micronaut.ch 2008.

critical step during CPD

2008-01-08T21:33:00.001+01:00

Critical Point Drying (CPD) has his perfidies, e.g. the pressure must be released very very carefully... Image: © Martin Oeggerli / ® Micronaut 2008.

lecture at the University Hospital Basel

2007-11-03T00:50:00.004+01:00

This large screen rocks! Micronaut explains scanning-electron-microscopical techniques and presents an overview on his work at the Labmed-annual meeting (University of Basel, conference hall, ZLF). Earlier on this year, I gave another lecture for the Labmed members just across the street, at the Institute of Pathology. Many thanks to Vera Basler for the invitation! Image © Martin Oeggerli / www.Micronaut.ch 2007.

Exhibition Läufelfingen

2007-06-07T01:01:00.004+02:00

Highly concentrated while explaining fixation and imaging techniques at an exhibition in Läufelfingen, which also included works of the artists: Sabine Gysin, Mirka Maffi, and designer Bernhard Strub (b-form).

..."dissertations and presents"...

2007-01-12T22:28:00.002+01:00

...ooops - this dubious sticker shines on the door of the official place where graduates of the University of Basel deliver their thesis. I'm standing back in amazement. Image: © Martin Oeggerli 2007.

Best Research Image 2006 I

2006-08-15T23:45:00.004+02:00

What a surprise: 3rd prize for the 'smiling tulip pollen' image. Micronaut during the honorary speech at the Deutsches Museum, München 2006. Image © Martin Oeggerli / www.Micronaut.ch 2006.

Best Research Image 2006 II

2006-08-15T23:34:00.005+02:00

...carried away by pure joy I happily declare to be back, soon! But what I actually didn't know at that point was, that my next submission CD should get lost, although sent by registered mail. Apparently the registration doesn't prevent from loss: "No, you can't Mr. Post!" Image: © Martin Oeggerli / www.Micronaut.ch 2006.

Best Research Image 2006 III

2006-08-15T23:13:00.006+02:00

The winners of the contest 2006 enter the stage, Deutsches Museum, München, by the way a very nice place to visit but it will take you a week or so to see it all. Image: © Martin Oeggerli / www.Micronaut.ch 2006.

gorgeous wrapping paper...

2006-08-15T21:21:00.004+02:00

Well, flowers can't possibly be hold more foolish than this and I 'forgot' to shave, too... Image: © Martin Oeggerli / www.Micronaut.ch 2006.