21
March
2016
|
10:00
Europe/London
Mating frog pic hops into third place in top comp
chrisblount.jpg
A photograph of a mating pair of critically endangered Costa Rican Lemur Leaf Frogs has bagged third place in the Eureka category one of the country's top science photo competitions.
The vivid image, taken by postgraduate student Chris Blount shows how the animals change colour every day - from its day time green skin to brown at night.
He said: "The frog undergoes a rapid and distinct colour change most nights from pale green to dark brown, and is one of a small group of species that reflects strongly in the near infrared region, matching the reflection of the leaves it sits on beyond the visible wavelengths of light.
"As well as teaching me that nature never does quite what you expect, seeing this pair in the same conditions, but different colourations, helped me to design new tests to better understand the unique optical properties of these frogs and the benefits they impart. It was also great to see that with the help of careful conservation, the species is beginning to recover in the wild."
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As well as teaching me that nature never does quite what you expect, seeing this pair in the same conditions, but different colourations, helped me to design new tests to better understand the unique optical properties of these frogs and the benefits they impart. It was also great to see that with the help of careful conservation, the species is beginning to recover in the wild
Chris Blount
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One of the judges was Professor Robert Winston, he said: “It is crucial to promote greater understanding of science and engineering research, the role it plays in making new discoveries, developing new technologies and in making the world a better place for us all. These are truly inspirational images and tell great stories. It was a real pleasure to take part as a judge and I hope people will want to find out more.”
Congratulating the winners and entrants, Professor Philip Nelson, EPSRC’s Chief Executive, said: “Yet again, the standard of entries into this year’s competition shows the inquisitive, artistic and perceptive nature of the people EPSRC supports. I’d like to thank everyone who entered; you made judging a very hard but enjoyable task.
“This competition helps us engage with academics and these stunning images are a great way to connect the general public with research they fund, and inspire everyone to take an interest in science and engineering.”
The competition received over 200 entries which were drawn from researchers in receipt of EPSRC funding.
The judges were:
Martin Keene - Group Picture Editor - Press Association;
Professor Robert Winston - Professor of Science and Society and Emeritus Professor of Fertility Studies at Imperial College London
Professor Philip Nelson - EPSRC’s Chief Executive
Notes to editors
For further information and images please contact the EPSRC Press Office on 01793 444 404 or email pressoffice@epsrc.ac.uk