The winners of an annual contest capture the brain at its most beautiful

Gray, white and wet, an image of the brain by itself can repulse more often than inspire. But when researchers and artists look past its outward appearance, they can reveal thrilling images of the organ that the rest of us would otherwise never see. Though many of these images resulted from lab work and research into how our nervous system functions, they easily stand alone as artclearly a neuroscience degree is not necessary to appreciate the brains intricacies.

For the seventh year in a row, the Art of Neuroscience competition out of the Netherlands Institute for Neuroscience in Amsterdam asked researchers and artists to submit their paintings, renderings, magnifications and videos of animal brains. The committees winning entry and honorable mentions are presented below, along with a selection of Scientific American editors favorites.

Leslie Nemo

Leslie Nemo is Scientific American's editorial intern.

Liz Tormes

Liz Tormes is the assistant photo editor for Scientific American. She lives in Brooklyn with her husband and two dogs. Follow Liz on Instagram.

Neuroscience. Evolution. Health. Chemistry. Physics. Technology.

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The Art of Neuroscience - Scientific American