Science fiction becomes reality with tractor beam
The tractor beam, a staple of science fiction, including Star Wars and Star Trek, in which it is used to remotely grab spaceships and other things, is entering the realm of reality. Researchers said yesterday they had developed a tractor beam using high-amplitude sound waves to levitate, move and rotate small objects without making contact with them.They used sound waves from 64 miniature loudspeakers called transducers to create what they called "acoustic holograms" to control an object without touching it.Describing possible medical applications , lead author Asier Marzo of the University of Bristol said: "Sound cannot travel through the void of space but it can travel through water or human tissue. This potentially enables the manipulation of clots, kidney stones, drug capsules, microsurgical instruments or cells inside our body without any incision."..
There’s never been a more important time to support independent media.
From World War 1 to present-day cosmopolitan South Africa and beyond, the Sunday Times has been a pillar in covering the stories that matter to you.
For just R80 you can become a premium member (digital access) and support a publication that has played an important political and social role in South Africa for over a century of Sundays. You can cancel anytime.
Already subscribed? Sign in below.
Questions or problems? Email helpdesk@timeslive.co.za or call 0860 52 52 00.