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Scientists Levitate Mice for NASA

Posted by ScuttleMonkey on from the best-easy-chair-ever dept.

sterlingda writes to tell us that scientists have built a mouse-levitating superconducting magnet, working on behalf of NASA to study variable levels of gravity. The group hopes to ascertain what physiological impacts prolonged exposure to microgravity might have. "Repeated levitation tests showed the mice, even when not sedated, could quickly acclimate to levitation inside the cage. After three or four hours, the mice acted normally, including eating and drinking. The strong magnetic fields did not seem to have any negative impacts on the mice in the short term, and past studies have shown that rats did not suffer from adverse effects after 10 weeks of strong, non-levitating magnetic fields."

12 of 237 comments (clear)

  1. bipolar mice? by TheGratefulNet · · Score: 4, Funny

    are some of them north-oriented and some south?

    can you make a compass out of them?

    if you put one of those mickeys near a HDD, does it erase some of the data?

    and finally, where do you find ferrous-enriched cheese to feed them?

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    1. Re:bipolar mice? by Hurricane78 · · Score: 5, Funny

      Why does everyone think it's normal for mice, to eat partially digested and rotten (with the help of bacteria) cow milk? What do you think they do without humans? Suck on tits of dead cows? ^^

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    2. Re:bipolar mice? by Rei · · Score: 5, Funny

      Ok... I know I should be more attentive but when I first read that headline I thought;

      Scientists Levitate Miss USA

      I personally believe that U.S. scientists are unable to do so because, um, some scientists out there in our nation don't have magnets and, uh, I believe that our, uh, research like such as, uh, Caltech and, uh, the Harvard and everywhere like such as, and I believe that they should, uh, our research over here in the U.S. should help the U.S., uh, should help Caltech and should help the Harvard and the Asian countries, so we will be able to build up our future.

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  2. I've done similar experiments before... by TommydCat · · Score: 5, Funny

    ...using a 3-man slingshot and dead squirrels.

    The dead squirrels did not seem to suffer adverse effects while they were levitating, though it must be said they were in this state only for a few moments and there were adverse effects after they struck their respective targets.

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    This comment does not necessarily represent the views and opinions of the author.
    1. Re:I've done similar experiments before... by eldavojohn · · Score: 5, Funny

      ...using a 3-man slingshot and dead squirrels. The dead squirrels did not seem to suffer adverse effects while they were levitating, though it must be said they were in this state only for a few moments and there were adverse effects after they struck their respective targets.

      Dear sir or ma'am, I am a colleague of yours in the respected field of Airborne Necromancy and would like to see your records and raw data. Specifically I am interested to see trajectory and ballistics data on said deceased squirrel and would like to know targets, their reaction and splash radius (if any). Also, I require data on the haired appendage attached to the posterior of the squirrel and would like to know if it emitted a satisfactory trailing manifold while said furry body traveled along its arc. Also, if you have raw data on the reactions of homo sapiens of the homogametic sex upon realization of said ballistic squirrel, I would be eternally grateful for it and any footage of shear horror and/or terror. I look forward to peer reviewing your research in next month's issue of Bodies in Flight. Good day!

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    2. Re:I've done similar experiments before... by TommydCat · · Score: 5, Funny

      Dear eldavojohn - thank you very much for your interest in our research.

      Unfortunately data collected on targetted facial responses is strictly limited to third-party hear-say information since the data collection stopped shortly after levitation was achieved due to personal safety risks to the research team if they were to have remained on-site. The time period of this research predates the "YouTube" era, and indeed no video recording devices were available that wouldn't prove too bulky for safe movement during the personnel evacuation window.

      While my submission cannot be considered authoritative in this subject by peer review, it is refreshing to see other researchers interested in this field of study.

      Good day to you and keep your head down!

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    3. Re:I've done similar experiments before... by eldavojohn · · Score: 4, Funny

      Refusal to relay your data to me?! I'll have you know I am the professor emeritus eldavojohn from Peter Wiggin's School for the Demented Brothers. Perhaps you've heard of it? Yes, well, I'm kind of a big deal there.

      Your unwillingness to share crucial data to our pain-staking squirrel research not only upsets me but mars the very foundation upon which we have built our esteemed ideals and research. Furthermore your lack of savvy in the sub-field of post experiment egress and planning belie your innocence and naive dabbling in such a rewarding and rich genre of science.

      In short, I recommend you put the squirrel slingshot down before you fail to hurt someone and leave the research to those of us properly equipped with chinchilla Gatling guns. Your work may make for a great show on the Discovery Channel but there's no place for you in my school.

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      My work here is dung.
    4. Re:I've done similar experiments before... by TommydCat · · Score: 4, Funny

      While I cannot understand why you are so emphatic, I can empathize your position in this matter. We can expedite recreation of said research data and deliver it by air courier. Kindly prepare to receive a few drops presently, as soon as we fortify our research site with duct-taped cats and a tarp.

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  3. Re:Pics? by Yvan256 · · Score: 4, Funny

    Here's your pic.

  4. Re:B-b-b-but, EM radiation! by jeffb+(2.718) · · Score: 4, Funny

    This was a static field. A static field is like resting your head on the floor. An oscillating field is like beating your head against the floor.

    Of course, nothing will stop some people from claiming that strong static magnetic fields cause cancer. Maybe they can fight it out with the people who say that they cure disease.

  5. An interesting experiment by malevolentjelly · · Score: 4, Funny

    To be honest with you, when you reach this level of awesome in your experimentation, you don't even need a premise. The NASA scientists could have simply announced that they did it for the lulz and it would be okay.

    I think the public would excuse it.

  6. Re:Seriously, Slashdot? by bmckeever · · Score: 4, Funny

    they come here for (sometimes) informative, enlightened, or humorous discussion of the article and related topics.

    I come here for the depressingly predictable jokes. Where's my "I for one..."? Ah, there it is.

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