Researchers at Dundee University (Scotland) claim to have invented a
real-life Doctor Who-style sonic screwdriver.
The prototype device has successfully used ultrasound waves
to lift and rotate a rubber disc floating in a cylinder of water -
the first time ultrasound has been made to turn objects rather than simply
push them - but physicists performing the research believe it can achieve a lot
more.
We’ve witnessed the Doctor use his screwdriver to open locks
and doors and control other devices, in the more classic episodes we also saw
the Sonic Screwdriver used as a medical device. The Dundee team of scientists believe that based
on their current studies this new device could help make surgery using ultrasound
techniques more precise and effective by giving doctors the ability to steer
ultrasound waves to the precise spot where they are needed.
‘This 'sonic
screwdriver' device is also part of the EU-funded Nanoporation project where we
are already starting to push the boundaries of what ultrasound can do. Surgeons
already use ultrasound to treat patients without the need for surgery, but the
ability to steer objects such as drug capsules to precise locations could make
the technique even more effective.
Mike MacDonald, of the university's Institute for Medical
Science and Technology, said: “This experiment not only confirms a fundamental
physics theory but also demonstrates a new level of control over ultrasound
beams which can also be applied to non-invasive ultrasound surgery, targeted
drug delivery and ultrasonic manipulation of cells.” He went on to say “It is
an area that has great potential for developing new surgical techniques, among
other applications, something which Dundee is very much at the forefront of.”
Dr MacDonald added: “Like Doctor Who's own device, our sonic
screwdriver is capable of much more than just spinning things around.”
The results of the research are published in the American
Physical Society's journal Physical Review Letters.
Last year, scientists in Bristol began working on their own
‘sonic screwdriver’ to be used in home improvements. The team experimented with rotating ultrasonic force fields which acted like the head of a screwdriver.
Just another example of how Sci-Fi is being brought in to real life. I know that Star Trek and even Star Wars have influenced a lot of things that we see everyday and don;t even realize it.
Just another example of how Sci-Fi is being brought in to real life. I know that Star Trek and even Star Wars have influenced a lot of things that we see everyday and don;t even realize it.
