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The words "brain cancer" are pretty evocative on their own, connoting fear, surgery, and possible death. But actually seeing a cancerous tumor, watching how its tentacles infiltrate white matter, is another thing entirely. Such deeper understanding is the goal of the International Science & Engineering Visualization Challenge, sponsored by the journal Science and the National Science Foundation.
The 2012 winners were announced yesterday, and they include a map of brain cancer; a poster representation of how owls can turn their heads 270 degrees; a video of the electromechanical science of the heart; and much more. They are beautiful and captivating, but have a more profound meaning, said Monica M. Bradford, executive editor of Science: "They also draw you into the complex field of science in a simple and understandable way." We agree. Click through to the gallery for the winners.

First Place Photograph: Biomineral Crystals

Honorable Mention Photograph: Shell Game

Honorable Mention Photograph: Tiny Seeds Up Close

First Place lllustration: Cognitive Computer Based On A Monkey Brain

Honorable Mention and People's Choice Illustration: Cerebral Infiltration

First Place Poster: Owl Arteries

Honorable Mention Game: Velocity Raptor

First Place And People's Choice Video: A Computational Heart
