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| -Short Attention Span Theater- |
| Science proves beer bubbles sink |
| 2004-03-16 |
| Scottish scientists claim to have video evidence which proves that bubbles in a glass of beer can move downwards. Working in association with colleagues in California, the Edinburgh University researchers used a high-speed digital camera to record the movement. Until now, some had claimed that the effect was an optical illusion. The scientists released their evidence to coincide with St Patrick’s Day, claiming that the effect is clearest in Irish stout. After several glasses of stout, I tend to sink to the floor. Although generations of beer drinkers had reported seeing bubbles sink to the bottom of their glass, scientists had struggled to prove that it could really happen. Needed lots of hands-on research, with a grant to pay their bar tab. The researchers found that bubbles touching the walls of a glass experience drag which prevents them floating upwards. Bubbles in the centre of the glass are free to rise, creating a circular flow which causes the bubbles near the edge of the glass to be pushed downwards. The effect occurs in any liquid, but the scientists claim that the contrast between dark liquid and creamy bubbles in stout made it most suitable for their research. The fact that it tastes better had no influence on their selection of brews. Right. Dr Andrew Alexander of Edinburgh University’s School of Chemistry said: "We had known for some time about the question of Guinness bubbles defying the norm. Our group carried out preliminary experiments at a local pub a few years ago, but the results proved inconclusive." Couldn’t remember what the results were, so they had to keep repeating the experiment. Although an undisclosed quantity of beer was used in the laboratory experiments, the researchers insist that it was poured away afterwards to prevent their judgement becoming clouded. "Excuse me, I have to pour like a racehorse. Where’s the loo?" |
| Posted by:Steve |
| #4 "Oi! Landlord! More experimental subjects over here..." |
| Posted by: mojo 2004-3-16 6:38:30 PM |
| #3 Hey Fred, why doesn't Rantburg U ever conduct studies like this? And why wasn't I invited? Your staunch allies in the WoT want to participate in these things, too. Or was this "experiment" held at the Wheelus O'club? |
| Posted by: Old Patriot 2004-3-16 12:55:14 PM |
| #2 Mmmmmmmmmm... Beeeeeer! |
| Posted by: Chuck Simmins 2004-3-16 10:53:03 AM |
| #1 maybe the bubbles are stationary, but the mug is raised - I know that happens with mine |
| Posted by: Frank G 2004-3-16 10:10:53 AM |