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Micro Tetris

Posted by michael on from the rotate-and-drop dept.

Jeroen writes "Students from the Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam used a so-called 'optical trap' to construct a version of Tetris that measures 25 x 20 micrometers. Blocks are constructed from tiny glass beads and all the action takes place in a waterdrop under a microscope. Considering the equipment needed, this must not only be the smallest, but also the most expensive Tetris clone around. A short description and a movie can be found here."

3 of 31 comments (clear)

  1. Uh-huh by (trb001) · · Score: 5, Interesting

    I'm sure this is one of those discoveries where someone said "Oh, neat!" and 6 months/1 year from now we'll have cured cancer based on it. But I can't help but think, right now, "Why?"

    --trb

  2. glass microspheres by GigsVT · · Score: 3, Interesting

    Glass microspheres are fun to play with. You can order them from many places online. They sometimes act in surprising ways.

    An example If you pour some on a glass of water (they float), they form a skin on top of the water.. you can then stick your finger down into the water, and withdraw it without your finger getting wet.

    --
    I've had enough abrasive sigs. Kittens are cute and fuzzy.
  3. Slashdot indicator by bheilig · · Score: 2, Interesting

    Check out the statistics page for the site. What's that big spike around the 8th of November? (insert maniacal laugh)

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