The device, called a variable gravity simulator, consists of an electrically charged, liquid helium-cooled magnetic coil to generate a field large enough to levitate water and other common liquids. The room-temperature bore of the magnet has a diameter of 66 millimeters (2.6 inches), large enough to levitate small mammals. Scientists previously have levitated frogs, grasshoppers and other small critters. Liu said it took 20 years to ramp up the size of a chamber that would be large enough to levitate a mouse. Building one large enough to float humans is well beyond the grasp of today's technology, he added. JPL is looking for researchers who may want to use the device to levitate mice for a variety of experiments, including bone loss studies, similar to what is currently under way aboard the space station. The effects of the magnetic field on the animals needs to be further assessed, he added. A more viable use for faux zero gravity may be to assess physical properties of liquids, the project's original driver, Liu said. Liu's research is described in the online edition of Advances in Space Research. Related Links: Discovery Space for news, interviews and more. |
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