On the Cover

September / October 2006

Photo by Sara Lindsay

In her research, University of Maine Assistant Professor of Marine Sciences Sara Lindsay studies the sensory systems of spionids, also known as mudworms. In particular, she looks at how the marine worms can regenerate their heads, appendages and bodies.

The microscopy involved in her research also led to a unique pastime: creating artistic images. The dramatic photo on the cover shows a spionid worm's specialized bristles. Known as hooded hooks, the bristles help anchor the worms in their tube homes on the ocean floor. The photomicrograph (magnification 400x) earned Lindsay an honorable mention in the 2005 Olympus BioScapes International Digital Imaging Competition.