2020 Small World in Motion Competition

This video of a blackworm, found in a pond water sample shows peristaltic (wavelike muscular contraction) movement inside the worm. Using a combination of optical staining and polarized light, it allowed Martin Kaae Kristiansen the ability to not only see inside the creature, but to observe and record its movements without hurting it. He finds this type of study important because it allows people to learn more about these tiny subjects and helps refine the lighting and staining techniques used in this and many other types of research.