Through the lens: spectacular science on a small scale – in pictures

From a heart-shaped stem cell colony to purple gold and science candies', these are the 12 finalists for the 2023 Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology image contest. Each year in the lead up to National Science Week, researchers at the University of Queensland's AIBN have a competition to find the best image taken using imaging equipment and microscopes. This year's winner will be announced on 14 August

• Zoom in: national science week prize puts photography under the microscope - in pictures