A real sonic screwdriver -- like the one used by the popular British science fiction character Dr. Who -- may soon become reality.
In the BBC-produced television series -- recognized by Guinness World Records as the longest-running science fiction TV show on Earth -- the eccentric Dr. Who uses a multi-tasking sonic screwdriver to help him in his many time-traveling adventures.
The fictional device is so popular that the BBC even offers a facsimile of it as a gift item.
It may not be here in time to stuff your holiday stockings with, but a team of British engineers has created a gadget that can manipulate objects via ultrasonic sound waves, reports The Telegraph.
University of Bristol ultrasonics engineer Bruce Drinkwater says the new technology may ultimately lead to tools that can easily turn screws and construct precise components.
We have developed a device that allows us to use ultrasonic forces to move small objects like biological cells around to sort them or to assemble them, Drinkwater said.
Full Story Link: http://www.aolnews.com/weird-news/article/dr-who-sonic-screwdriver-close-to-reality/19748163
In the BBC-produced television series -- recognized by Guinness World Records as the longest-running science fiction TV show on Earth -- the eccentric Dr. Who uses a multi-tasking sonic screwdriver to help him in his many time-traveling adventures.
The fictional device is so popular that the BBC even offers a facsimile of it as a gift item.
It may not be here in time to stuff your holiday stockings with, but a team of British engineers has created a gadget that can manipulate objects via ultrasonic sound waves, reports The Telegraph.
University of Bristol ultrasonics engineer Bruce Drinkwater says the new technology may ultimately lead to tools that can easily turn screws and construct precise components.
We have developed a device that allows us to use ultrasonic forces to move small objects like biological cells around to sort them or to assemble them, Drinkwater said.
Full Story Link: http://www.aolnews.com/weird-news/article/dr-who-sonic-screwdriver-close-to-reality/19748163
