Is That Beer on Your Tie?

Dateline: 03/12/98

Isn't the World Wide Web a Wonder? The other day I was down in the pit, pick and pint in hand, mining for the best sites to present to you. I had used a search engine with the phrase "pictures of beer," hoping to find some fancy glasses, bottles, and such. Naturally, I got about 10,000 matches. (Isn't that why you're here? We mine the web for you!) A stray mouse click took me to a results page well off the beaten track. I was amazed at what I saw. I spent two hours enjoying this terrific site. You must see this.

Dr. Michael W. Davidson is a professor at Florida State University. He specializes in photo microscopy - the science of taking pictures of itty bitty things. Dr. Davidson uses a special optical microscope and polarized light to capture incredible images of computer circuits, minerals, Ben and Jerry's™ ice cream, and beer. That's right - beer! His site, Molecular Expressions features a photomicrographic gallery of beers from around the globe! The samples I've included on this page have been reduced 50% to fit in our format and really don't do justice to the originals.

I've enjoyed beers from around the world and naturally examined my favorites first. Imagine my surprise when I found that beer color and flavor give no hint to the photomicrograph's appearance. The Beershots page is organized alphabetically by country of origin, making it simple to find your favorite brew. Don't be so sure that the weaker beers produce inferior photos. Try some of our well known commercial examples for a surprise. Dr. Davidson offers a demo version of a screen saver on the site, as well as some short QuickTime™ movies showing a sample lit from a changing light source. For those who wish to pursue the science of photo microscopy, there is a well illustrated primer on the subject.

Dr. Davidson's artwork has been licensed to several manufacturers for use on a wide assortment of products, including neckties from Stonehenge LTD. These beautiful silk ties feature several striking beer patterns, as well as images of circuit boards, vitamins, cocktails, and other strange and wondrous sources. I must have one of these! Of course, the first thing I'd do is spill Pilsner Urquell on my Pilsner Urquell!

Guide's note: All images used on this page are courtesy of Molecular Expressions and Dr. Michael W. Davidson.

Rob Nelson

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