Geologic or synthetic mineral crystals usually have flat faces and sharp edges, whereas biomineral crystals can have strikingly uncommon forms that have evolved to enhance function. The image here was captured using environmental scanning electron microscopy and false-colored. Each color highlights a continuous single-crystal of calcite (CaCO3) made by the sea urchin Arbacia punctulata, at the forming end of one of its teeth.

Credit: Pupa U.P.A. Gilbert and Christopher E. Killian, University of Wisconsin-Madison

This educational poster shows how geological and biological processes have together shaped Earths environment during its 4.6 billion-year history. Using plain language and explanatory illustrations, the poster marries two sets of phenomena that are intertwined in nature but often taught separately in the classroom.

Credit: Educational Resources Group, Howard Hughes Medical Institute and Astronaut 3 Media Group

Cognitive Computing researchers at IBM are developing a new generation of "neuro-synaptic" computer chips inspired by the organization and function of the brain. For guidance into how to connect many such chips in a large brain-like network, they turn to a "wiring diagram" of the monkey brain as represented by the CoCoMac database.

Credit: Emmett McQuinn, Theodore M. Wong, Pallab Datta, Myron D. Flickner, Raghavendra Singh, Steven K. Esser, Rathinakumar Appuswamy, William P. Risk, and Dharmendra S. Modha

Discover the artistry behind the 2012 International Science & Engineering Visualization Challenge winners as they explain the processes, techniques and thoughts behind their entries.

Credit: National Science Foundation

Winning entries can be seen in the February 1 issue of the journal Science.

Credit: Copyright AAAS 2013