In industry, seeing is believing

The old adage "seeing is believing" is as relevant today as it was 2000 years ago for the famous doubting Thomas. What we mean by seeing, however, has changed. Science would not have come as far as it has if researchers had relied solely on their eyes to study the world. But we have become used to extending our vision with all sorts of techniques, from gamma-ray astronomy to ultrasound. The resulting images or, even better, movies can enhance understanding, inspire new theories and focus discussion. And in industry, this progress can be directed to optimize a wide range of processes, from the design of jet engines to the growth of carrots.