SEPTEMBER 1997 The Molecular Expressions Photo Gallery http://micro.magnet.fsu.edu/micro/gallery.html

You have to be a little unusual to care what a Bloody Mary looks like under a microscope. You have to be even more unusual to be able to photograph said cocktail under said microscope. Fortunately, Michael W. Davidson, a research scientist with the National High Magnetic Field Laboratory, fits both criteria. Davidson's Molecular Expressions Photo Gallery--a stunning collection of photomicrographs (photos taken through a microscope) co-sponsored by Florida State University--presents the physical world in a way few people are lucky enough to see ... until now. Consider the following:

• Ben & Jerry's Wavy Gravy ice cream at a molecular level. Tie-dye never looked like this!
• Sushi lovers may detect a resemblance between California rolls and superconducting niobium wire in cross section.
• A deep space meteorite looks like a microcosm of space itself (if slightly more colorful).
• Chanel No. 5 is really a burst of vermilion, orange, yellow and periwinkle emanating from an alien creature--you just can't see all that without looking really, really close.
• DNA as a single crystal looks like a flower, but DNA in high-density columnar hexatic liquid crystalline phase (phew!) looks like a steep terraced cliff in the Andes.

Not only do Davidson and Florida State U wow you with gorgeous pictures, they also provide fascinating snippets about each of the subjects they treat, so you learn a bit about chemistry, physics, botany, sports and more.

All images are copyrighted and licensable, but may be used as screensavers, computer wallpaper, and icons on one's personal computer without permission.

You just haven't lived till you've seen Coca Cola, beer, and a basketball under a microscope ... check it out!

Paula Berinstein

Copyright 1998, Berinstein Research