No magic show: Real-world levitation to inspire better pharmaceuticalsQuoteIt's not a magic trick and it's not sleight of hand – scientists really are using levitation to improve the drug development process, eventually yielding more effective pharmaceuticals with fewer side effects.
Scientists at the U.S. Department of Energy's (DOE) Argonne National Laboratory have discovered a way to use sound waves to levitate individual droplets of solutions containing different pharmaceuticals. While the connection between levitation and drug development may not be immediately apparent, a special relationship emerges at the molecular level.
QuoteThe acoustic levitator uses two small speakers to generate sound waves at frequencies slightly above the audible range – roughly 22 kilohertz. When the top and bottom speakers are precisely aligned, they create two sets of sound waves that perfectly interfere with each other, setting up a phenomenon known as a standing wave.
At certain points along a standing wave, known as nodes, there is no net transfer of energy at all. Because the acoustic pressure from the sound waves is sufficient to cancel the effect of gravity, light objects are able to levitate when placed at the nodes.
(http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8042/7980509723_af181d21a2_c.jpg) (http://www.flickr.com/photos/argonne/7980509723/)
Acoustic levitation for medicine (http://www.flickr.com/photos/argonne/7980509723/) by Argonne National Laboratory (http://www.flickr.com/people/argonne/), on Flickr
(http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8033/7980511332_426f63ae12_c.jpg) (http://www.flickr.com/photos/argonne/7980511332/)
Acoustic levitation for medicine (http://www.flickr.com/photos/argonne/7980511332/) by Argonne National Laboratory (http://www.flickr.com/people/argonne/), on Flickr
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=669AcEBpdsY
Image Credits and Source:
Argonne National Labs
http://www.anl.gov/videos/acoustic-levitation
Open Day Tommorow @ Argonne. Anybody want to take a trip down there and find out a little more about their process?
would go myself but my flying saucer is on the blink atmArgonne's Energy ShowcaseQuoteArgonne's Energy Showcase will be held September 15, 2012, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Visitors are welcome to come and go at any time during those hours, though we recommend a few hours to experience all the laboratory has to offer.
The event will be similar to the traditional Argonne Open House but will be on a somewhat smaller scale, making it easier to experience all that the laboratory has to offer in a single day. The Showcase will feature interactive demos, exhibits and tours, giving attendees a unique opportunity to mingle with prominent energy researchers and innovators in a hands-on atmosphere. This is a great opportunity to learn more about Argonne's research and talk with the laboratory's leading experts.
The event will be held rain or shine. Free shuttle service will be provided, and food, drink and T-shirts will be available for purchase. Visitors are welcome to take photos and videos of the event.
Program of events:http://www.anl.gov/sites/anl.gov/files/EnergyShowcaseProgram_v10pages.pdf
DOE and drug development? That stinks like rotting fish. Personal opinion based on experience with DOE and pharmaceutical companies.
Shasta
Quote from: Shasta56 on September 14, 2012, 11:06:07 AM
DOE and drug development? That stinks like rotting fish. Personal opinion based on experience with DOE and pharmaceutical companies.
Shasta
Ok care to spill the beans Shasta ;D
Now I'm back at home and not waiting around at work for IR sensor's to calibrate I found this video from the Uni of Bristol which looks very Sama Sama as they say in Indonesian :D
QuoteThis is a video of a third year mechanical engineering undergraduate project at the University of Bristol.
In the first section of the video, small polystyrene balls are levitated in a standing wave at nodes of pressure in a gap of around 6.5cm with a frequency of 21.3kHz.
In the second section of the video, solid CO2 is utilized in order to show the nodes and anti-nodes of pressure in a standing wave.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G9SlyXhNoZ4
One thing of intrugiue between the Bristol Video and The DOE video is that the DOE blantantly steal my Twin Trumpet >:( ;D
Oki Doki I found the Real Source of the Bristol Uni Levitation...Fisrts Video I posted is still Valid as its one of his students ;)
Professor Bruce Drinkwater
READ MORE:
http://www.bristol.ac.uk/engineering/people/bruce-w-drinkwater/overview.html
Utrasonic Acoustic Levitation In 2-dimensions
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yd9DgsI95hc
Hey I hope some of you DOE and Professor type folk check your links and where they end up posted at, as I have an idea for you all :P
Why not try and levitate a seed from an edible variety in a solution of water and a very mild nutrient solution ?