US scientists learn how to levitate tiny objects, page 1

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Topic started on 12-9-2010 @ 04:42 AM by q_ball

US scientists learn how to levitate tiny objects

www.reuters.com

Jan 7 (Reuters) - U.S. scientists have found a way to levitate the very smallest objects using the strange forces of quantum mechanics, and said on Wednesday they might use it to help make tiny nanotechnology machines.

They said they had detected and measured a force that comes into play at the molecular level using certain combinations of molecules that repel one another.

The repulsion can be used to hold molecules aloft, in essence levitating them, creating virtually friction-free parts for tiny devices, the researchers said.

(visit the link for the full news article)

reply posted on 12-9-2010 @ 04:42 AM by q_ball

I think this sounds awesome, reminds me of the force! However I do feel this technology already exists and is used but out of public eye, perhaps now only the public is hearing about it. If they had higher funding they may have had this technology 20 years ago, which im confident they may have. However I do stand to be corrected as I dont know much about levitation technology.

www.reuters.com
(visit the link for the full news article)

reply posted on 12-9-2010 @ 05:42 AM by oozyism

reply to post by q_ball

Did the article say friction free, damn the future is getting clearer and clearer.

We have already created biological cars, but at molecular level, this will help with that, and in the future there will be bigger versions, if my imagination is on the right track, if not, please don't hesitate to point me towards the right direction

reply posted on 12-9-2010 @ 07:34 AM by saltheart foamfollower

reply to post by q_ball

SO, little tiny rocks float?

I knew it! I knew there was higher meaning to Monty Python's Holy Grail!

Sorry OP, that scene where they are talking about things that floats on water, bread, apples, little tiny rocks.

So, what force is levitating the objects?

edit to add, alright reading it again, they are saying that possibly saying reversing the effect of stiction, or the attraction of very small parts in close proximity. I always thought that was gravity.

Anyway, would need to see replicable experiments, that will not be happening for awhile.

Cool anyway. Cannot wait for my hover car.

edit on 12-9-2010 by saltheart foamfollower because: (no reason given)

reply posted on 12-9-2010 @ 09:15 AM by soficrow

Good find. S&F

...I don't mean to be disrespectful, but this sounds just like the old majic tricks using magnets to 'levitate' objects...

reply posted on 12-9-2010 @ 09:20 AM by Foppezao

Originally posted by soficrow
Good find. S&F

...I don't mean to be disrespectful, but this sounds just like the old majic tricks using magnets to 'levitate' objects...

I was thinking the same thing.
U mean superconducting like using nitrogen on a kermic material and let magnets levitate above it..[like magnet trains]

edit on 12-9-2010 by Foppezao because: (no reason given)

reply posted on 12-9-2010 @ 12:56 PM by avocadoshag

I hate to pour a wet blanket on this thread (cause I'd like for it to be true) but further down the linked article is this: