Experts at the University of Dundee in Scotland have managed to create Doctor Who’s sonic screwdriver. Scientists created a machine that utilises ultrasound to rotate objects. This is the first time ultrasound waves have been facilitated in this way.
The experts also stated that further research could allow doctors to perform future surgery using the ultrasonic technology, thus allowing surgeons a way to perform operations without cutting into the patient. Using direct ultrasonic waves can also enable a more successful treatment and outcome, they say.
The researchers from the University of Dundee also pointed out that Doctor Who’s sonic screwdriver technology can also be used to guide a capsule or a secured compound right to the place where high concentrations of a drug are required, for instance, transporting a filmed tablet to a tumour.
The technology demonstrates how scientists can now utilise energy coming in the form of ultrasonic waves to create a beam. This beam can then be manipulated to carry or push objects away. The beam, which comes out like a spiral or helix, creates the effects for rotating the objects.
Team Leader in Bio-Photonics Dr. Mike MacDonald, from the Institute of Medical Science & Technology, stated that the ultrasonic waves research not only confirms the theory related to this science, but also shows promising display of control and use of the ultrasonic beams.
Dr. MacDonald further stated that this project is also funded by the Nanopore Ion Project, a place where scientists are already pushing the boundaries of ultrasonic wave capability; mostly related to medical research and targeted cell surgery.
“It is a subject that has a fantastic possibility for creating new medical procedures, amongst other purposes,” Dr. MacDonald added. “Like Doctor Who’s personal tool, our sonic screwdriver can do a lot more than simply spinning objects around.”
The research conducted will be later published in the American Physical Society’s journal section, Physical Review Letters.
The experts have also formed a UK-based Engineering & Physical Sciences Research Council project labelled Sonotweezers. The aim is to bring skill and further development into the ultrasonic handling field, ultimately allowing scientists to apply the technology to applications, such as medicine, surgery, engineering, and experimental biology and developmental physics.
Source: IFL, Radio Times.
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