Researchers Create Real Tractor Beams

not a real tractor beam by D3 · 2010-09-09 09:28 · Score: 5, Informative

They use this to PUSH particles around, not PULL them.

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Do really dense people warp space more than others?

Re:not a real tractor beam by The+MAZZTer · 2010-09-09 09:29 · Score: 5, Funny

Well then they just need to reverse the polarity!
Re:not a real tractor beam by PocariSweat1991 · 2010-09-09 09:36 · Score: 0

Interestingly, that was the same point made by the first comment posted to the story that TFA references.
http://dvice.com/archives/2010/09/holy-moly-tract.php [dvice.com]
Re:not a real tractor beam by LanMan04 · 2010-09-09 09:48 · Score: 5, Informative

Quoth wikipedia (from the "Optical Tweezers" article:
Optical tweezers (originally called "single-beam gradient force trap") is a scientific instrument that uses a highly focused laser beam to provide an attractive or repulsive force (typically on the order of piconewtons), depending on the refractive index mismatch to physically hold and move microscopic dielectric objects. Optical tweezers have been particularly successful in studying a variety of biological systems in recent years.
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So does that mean this new method works on a different principle?

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With the first link, the chain is forged.
Re:not a real tractor beam by geekoid · 2010-09-09 09:49 · Score: 1

If I shine a beam of light on something that causes it to move towards me, it's a tractor beam.

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Re:not a real tractor beam by Joe+Snipe · 2010-09-09 10:00 · Score: 1

Dupe post in a dupe article

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Sometimes, life itself is sarcasm...
Re:not a real tractor beam by Bobfrankly1 · 2010-09-09 10:02 · Score: 3, Funny

So when a deer in the road moves toward me because I shine my headlights down the road, my headlights are a tractor beam?
Re:not a real tractor beam by Anomalyx · 2010-09-09 10:05 · Score: 1

Quoth wikipedia (from the "Optical Tweezers" article:
Optical tweezers (originally called "single-beam gradient force trap") is a scientific instrument that uses a highly focused laser beam to provide an attractive or repulsive force (typically on the order of piconewtons), depending on the refractive index mismatch to physically hold and move microscopic dielectric objects. Optical tweezers have been particularly successful in studying a variety of biological systems in recent years.
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So does that mean this new method works on a different principle?
I don't think I've ever seen a tractor push anything; only pull. So if these beams really can provide a force in either direction, I vote we call them tugboat beams instead.

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No, there is no "-1 I'LL NEVER ADMIT BEING WRONG!!!" mod.
Re:not a real tractor beam by Chris+Burke · 2010-09-09 10:21 · Score: 2, Funny

I vote we call them tugboat beams instead.
That's a pretty great idea, actually. I second this!
It's certainly much better than my idea of renaming tractors "uni-directional laser tweezer trucks"

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The enemies of Democracy are
Re:not a real tractor beam by jandoedel · 2010-09-09 10:25 · Score: 3, Insightful

So when a deer in the road moves toward me because I shine my headlights down the road, my headlights are attractor beam?
There, fixed it for you.
Re:not a real tractor beam by Gary+Perkins · 2010-09-09 10:26 · Score: 1

I don't think I've ever seen a tractor push anything; only pull. So if these beams really can provide a force in either direction, I vote we call them tugboat beams instead.
Ain't the English language a funny thing? Tugboats push instead of tug/pull. People park in driveways. And so on.
I think the only way we'll ever see a real tractor beam is the day we can control gravitons (I'm still not convinced they are real particles, although I was pleasantly surprised when I started seeing them mentioned more in recent documentaries). If we could somehow create focused graviton beams, then we'd have a real tractor beam.
Re:not a real tractor beam by c6gunner · 2010-09-09 10:46 · Score: 2, Insightful

Ain't the English language a funny thing? Tugboats push instead of tug/pull. People park in driveways. And so on.
Not really, no. Tugboats primarily pull, although they can also push. And a driveway is a path which you drive on in order to reach the house. You could park your car on a driving-range, too, but that wouldn't make the name inappropriate.
Re:not a real tractor beam by Beardydog · 2010-09-09 10:47 · Score: 2, Funny

It's not something that you just dump microscopic dielectric objects on. It's not a big truck. It's a series of tubes.
Re:not a real tractor beam by Albinoman · 2010-09-09 11:02 · Score: 2, Insightful

I bet you're a lot of fun at parties.
Re:not a real tractor beam by danny_lehman · 2010-09-09 11:28 · Score: 1

so they wouldnt even work in space? no atmosphere. pshh
Re:not a real tractor beam by treeves · 2010-09-09 11:51 · Score: 1

But if you park on a parkway, you're asking for trouble.

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...the future crusty old bastards are already drinking the Kool-Aid.
Re:not a real tractor beam by rockNme2349 · 2010-09-09 11:54 · Score: 1

You park on a driveway, you drive on a parkway.
If you send something by truck it's a shipment. If you send it by ship it's cargo.
English is weird.

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Sewage Treatment Facilities - "Our duty is clear."
Re:not a real tractor beam by Anonymous Coward · 2010-09-09 12:08 · Score: 0

I can move small particles with my breath.
Re:not a real tractor beam by Albinoman · 2010-09-09 12:13 · Score: 1

Wow dude, mellow out. It was a joke. You just pissed in the previous guy's Wheaties so why do you deserve better? I love learning new things more than anyone I personally know. I am comfortable with the knowledge that I know a lot more than the most people around me, but I don't demonstrate it or rub it in every chance I get. By correcting people making a non-offensive joke, especially nitpicking stupid little details, it makes you seem like an arrogant prick.
Re:not a real tractor beam by c6gunner · 2010-09-09 12:36 · Score: 1

You're right, I didn't mean to come across so harsh. Actually, I originally had another paragraph in there that was intended as a joke, but took it out because I didn't think it was funny enough. Seems that the rest of it came across a lot more asshole-ish once all the humor was removed.
Re:not a real tractor beam by wierd_w · 2010-09-09 12:38 · Score: 2, Interesting

Actually, Wasn't there an article about a month ago here on slashdot about the "Maximum effective energy" a laser can reach, before the photon flux itself breaks down into antiparticle pairs? A similar effect could be attained using a modification of the optical tweaser approach used here, that WOULD be effective in space. (It would, however, also tend to vaporize whatever you shined it at... but Meh.) Namely, you add another "layer" in your optical tweasers, at a very very high photon flux. This will create antiparticle pairs in one part of the beam path (middle layer), the less energetic optical confinement stream (outer layer), and then the "cavity" in the center. Due to the self-scattering caused by the antiparticle pair production, this approach would have very limited range, but would at least partially solve the "no atmosphere" problem. (I wouldnt expect to move a huge asteroid this way; the vented gasses caused by hitting it with that much photon flux would provide vastly more propulsive force than that of the optical tweaser effect... but if you absolutely MUST move a particle in what is otherwise a vacuum, this kind of thing might work. Just keep it small enough to fit in the cavity, and OUT of the high flux layer. I just can't think of any reason why you would want to do this though. )
Re:not a real tractor beam by onepoint · 2010-09-09 13:23 · Score: 1

Tugboats: funny thing is that can pull or push depending on the needs
Most river tug's are barge pushers
most harbor tugs push vessels, the only time I see that not true on the Hudson river is when it's a fuel barge that is empty.
ocean going tug's pull a vessel
from what little I know, a tug boat is very good at pushing because of the prop design and control
A pulling a vessel does not have that much control.
some newer designed tugs are amazing, they can turn on a dime with amazing amounts of force to applied.

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if you see me, smile and say hello.
Re:not a real tractor beam by Gary+Perkins · 2010-09-09 13:26 · Score: 2, Interesting

I think it's more likely cultural difference. American English seems to have minor differences in the meanings of words.
I know as far as a driveway, most everyone here doesn't really have one. It's more like parking spaces. But we call them driveway's anyways.
I'm surprised I started this whole discussion. I was actually just alluding to some jokes by one or two popular American comedians. It's been repeated often enough that I couldn't begin to remember who, but the point of the joke is simply that English really is somewhat of a backwords language compared to most of the world.
Re:not a real tractor beam by Gary+Perkins · 2010-09-09 13:30 · Score: 1

I haven't actually seen a tugboat pull, but I figured they would. I live near an obscure, but important, port (Beaumont, TX). I grew up watching them navigate the Neches River, and I have seen them do some pretty neat things. There's a refinery dock next to the park I used to hang out at, and I would watch the tugboats help secure a vessel... you can FEEL the power of those engines a good 150 yards away.
Re:not a real tractor beam by Lanteran · 2010-09-09 13:39 · Score: 1

plus its useless in space...

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"People don't want to learn linux" hasn't been a valid excuse since '03.
Re:not a real tractor beam by c6gunner · 2010-09-09 13:43 · Score: 1

I know, I've heard those jokes before. I used to find them funny, too, when I was 15. However, as my grasp of the English language improved, they started to seem more and more annoying with every iteration.
If you really think that "English is somewhat backwards compared to most of the world", I'm guessing you don't speak any other languages. ANY language can be made to seem ridiculous if you're willing to intentionally misinterpret / misrepresent certain words, and many don't need you to do even that much.
Re:not a real tractor beam by Anonymous Coward · 2010-09-09 14:26 · Score: 0

And if you expect to arrive someplace in a car, you gotta keep on truckin'.
Re:not a real tractor beam by biryokumaru · 2010-09-09 15:53 · Score: 1

That or you live in NYC.

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When you're afraid to download music illegally in your own home, then the terrorists have won!
Re:not a real tractor beam by ProfessionalCookie · 2010-09-09 16:49 · Score: 1

Dozerbeam.
Re:not a real tractor beam by Custard+Horse · 2010-09-09 20:10 · Score: 1

Dozerbeam.

That, for me, is a winner!
Re:not a real tractor beam by Shrike82 · 2010-09-09 22:34 · Score: 1

You're right
Wait a second. He told you to mellow out and that you were coming across like an arrogant prick and you agreed with him? Clearly you have no idea how the Internet works. The correct response in that situation is "UP YOURS PAL! I'M GONNA FIND YOU AND BURN YOUR HOUSE DOWN!!!!!111".

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Re:not a real tractor beam by thorgil · 2010-09-10 00:08 · Score: 1

I've seen tractors with snowplows.
They PUSH snow.
btw, even though tugboats sometimes pushes, "tug" means pull. "Tug of war" as an example.

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Warning: This sig contains a small bug. ==> *
Re:not a real tractor beam by Sir+Cypher · 2010-09-10 01:08 · Score: 1

Perhaps we should call it an Internet beam.
Re:not a real tractor beam by Iamthecheese · 2010-09-10 04:17 · Score: 1

This comment added just to be silly.

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If video games influenced behavior the Pac Man generation would be eating pills and running away from their problems.
Re:not a real tractor beam by jellomizer · 2010-09-10 05:35 · Score: 1

Tractors have front loader attachments to them. Which they use to push stuff

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If something is so important that you feel the need to post it on the internet... It probably isn't that important.
Re:not a real tractor beam by Anonymous Coward · 2010-09-10 06:37 · Score: 0

A deer IN the road? Sounds like one hell of a collision failure. Can you reproduce it? 'Cause I'm calling 'screen shot or it didn't happen' otherwise :p
Re:not a real tractor beam by c6gunner · 2010-09-10 07:12 · Score: 1

Wait a second. He told you to mellow out and that you were coming across like an arrogant prick and you agreed with him? Clearly you have no idea how the Internet works. The correct response in that situation is "UP YOURS PAL! I'M GONNA FIND YOU AND BURN YOUR HOUSE DOWN!!!!!111".
Ah, but I'm using reverse psychology. Agreeing is the new disagreeing. He's probably PISSED right now ;)
Re:not a real tractor beam by Anonymous Coward · 2010-09-10 07:35 · Score: 0

So when a deer in the road moves toward me because I shine my headlights down the road, my headlights are attractor beams?
There, fixed it for you.
At least *fix* it for him if you're going to fix it for him!

Dupe! by Anonymous Coward · 2010-09-09 09:30 · Score: 0

Can haz prize?

Echolocation by Anonymous Coward · 2010-09-09 09:30 · Score: 5, Informative

"seems like only yesterday..."
http://science.slashdot.org/story/10/09/08/1558201/Tractor-Beams-Come-To-Life

Re:Echolocation by Anonymous Coward · 2010-09-09 09:53 · Score: 0

No kidding, bad enough when old stale news shows up on /. but now we've got another 'story' on the exact same thing?
Re:Echolocation by mevets · 2010-09-09 09:56 · Score: 1

Apparently they are able to push stories with this magical device as well.
Re:Echolocation by Intron · 2010-09-09 09:56 · Score: 4, Insightful

This story is a reflection caused by bouncing the other story from a mirror using hollow laser beams.

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Intron: the portion of DNA which expresses nothing useful.
Re:Echolocation by SnarfQuest · 2010-09-09 11:11 · Score: 1

Catpain, it appears that we've been warped into a future dimension, on in which this article has already appeared! We must find a nuclear wessle immediately!

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Who would win this election: Andrew Weiner vs Andrew Weiner's weiner.
Re:Echolocation by Anonymous Coward · 2010-09-09 11:18 · Score: 0

Meow *ouch*!
Re:Echolocation by derGoldstein · 2010-09-09 13:20 · Score: 4, Funny

Slashdot has become so big that the left hand doesn't know what the right hand is doing, and neither hand actually READS Slashdot...

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Entomologically speaking, the spider is not a bug, it's a feature.

Not terribly novel by toppavak · 2010-09-09 09:30 · Score: 3, Informative

Mechanical forces exerted on objects by light have been described since the 1970's and practically demonstrated since 1986.

Re:Not terribly novel by Low+Ranked+Craig · 2010-09-09 09:44 · Score: 1

This is a secondary reaction from the light heating the air, so the air is moving the particle, which was heated by the laser. regardless this is about as close to a tractor beam as my DeWalt drill is to a wormhole generator.

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I still cannot find the droids I am looking for...
Re:Not terribly novel by quizzicus · 2010-09-09 11:06 · Score: 1

I think you mean the 1870s.
Re:Not terribly novel by Anonymous Coward · 2010-09-09 11:33 · Score: 0

I've had a small millipede invasion at my house over the last few weeks. They're creeping in every crack and hole they can find around my back door. A drill applied in the right place could really create a "worm" hole.
Re:Not terribly novel by Paracelcus · 2010-09-09 12:29 · Score: 1

Crooks radiometer has been getting pushed around by light since 1873!

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I killed da wabbit -Elmer Fudd
Re:Not terribly novel by TeethWhitener · 2010-09-10 02:07 · Score: 1

Mod parent up. This is not the optical tweezer effect that people who (surprise surprise) didn't read the article have been confusing it with.

In related news by gearloos · 2010-09-09 09:30 · Score: 3, Funny

John Deere files suit

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"Computers are a lot like Air Conditioners" "They both work great until you start opening Windows"

Pfft by Adambomb · 2010-09-09 09:32 · Score: 5, Funny

Wouldn't work in a vacuum, less space than a nomad. Lame.

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Ice Cream has no bones.

Re:Pfft by derGoldstein · 2010-09-09 13:21 · Score: 1

True, but it uses Lasers. Once the cult of Laser picks it up, the rest of the public will follow. Damn those Laser sheep...

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Entomologically speaking, the spider is not a bug, it's a feature.
Re:Pfft by Anonymous Coward · 2010-09-09 15:59 · Score: 0

It would work if the beam contained gluons!

Tractor beam? Hardly by Red+Flayer · 2010-09-09 09:32 · Score: 1

Meh. This is a repulsor beam, not a tractor beam. Wake me up when I can use this, instead of my own gravitational pull, to bring things within reach of my grasp.

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"Trolls they were, but filled with the evil will of their master: a fell race..." -- J.R.R. Tolkien on Olog-hai

OMG by future+assassin · 2010-09-09 09:34 · Score: 3, Funny

It worked so well that moving the particles caused the news about them to be duped http://tech.slashdot.org/index2.pl?fhfilter=Tractor+Beams They call it the Dupification Effect.

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by TheSpoom (715771) Uncaring Linux user here. I have nothing to add to this but please continue. *munches popcorn*

Re:OMG by c++0xFF · 2010-09-09 09:36 · Score: 2, Funny

It worked so well it sent the news back into the past! That's incredible!
Re:OMG by demonbug · 2010-09-09 09:56 · Score: 1

It worked so well that moving the particles caused the news about them to be duped http://tech.slashdot.org/index2.pl?fhfilter=Tractor+Beams They call it the Dupification Effect.
Apparently the Slashdot editors are caught in a tractor beam.
They're at full power; they're going to have to shut down.
Re:OMG by Anonymous Coward · 2010-09-09 12:45 · Score: 0

I'll bet you'll be singing a different tune if this thing comes alive.
Re:OMG by derGoldstein · 2010-09-09 13:24 · Score: 1

RTFA. It clearly states that you need *two* beams, so it's only logical that it needs two separate posts in order to work.

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Entomologically speaking, the spider is not a bug, it's a feature.

Pfft. by Culture20 · 2010-09-09 09:35 · Score: 1

Until the bacterium reroute the main power conduits through the deflector beam to create an inverse tachyon pulse. Then what?
Oh yeah, dupe.
http://science.slashdot.org/comments.pl?sid=1780946&cid=33509648

Similar to Yesterday? by Ksevio · 2010-09-09 09:36 · Score: 1

Guess there's a lot of tractor beam research with this and Tractor Beams Come To Life

/. Creates Deja Vu machine by Fallen+Kell · 2010-09-09 09:37 · Score: 1

Thought I read about this yesterday.... Oh, yeah, I did... Tractor Beams

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We were all warned a long time ago that MS products sucked, remember the Magic 8 Ball said, "Outlook not so good"

Awesome by Anonymous Coward · 2010-09-09 09:39 · Score: 0

Not only will it fetch my steak, it can cook it on the way over? Another breakthrough for delicious technology.

This has gotten ridiculous... by hedpe2003 · 2010-09-09 09:39 · Score: 5, Funny

A Slashdot submission... linking to a forum... linking to a new site... linking to a.... Slashdot submission???

When I think SEO backlinking... I think this.

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Comprehensive solutions via a competition of ideas like no other.

Re:This has gotten ridiculous... by Kristopeit,+M.+D. · 2010-09-09 09:56 · Score: 1

slashdot = stagnated
Re:This has gotten ridiculous... by cygnwolf · 2010-09-09 09:57 · Score: 1

Admittedly, it's a nice recursive loop we've got going here...

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Free Pie! The Pie is Also Evil!
Re:This has gotten ridiculous... by Anonymous Coward · 2010-09-09 09:58 · Score: 0

Tractor parent up
Re:This has gotten ridiculous... by Megahard · 2010-09-09 10:10 · Score: 1

Expect to see the story again tomorrow, and the next day, and the next...

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I eat only the real part of complex carbohydrates.
Re:This has gotten ridiculous... by Xtravar · 2010-09-09 10:17 · Score: 1

Then the site gets hacked because of a buffer overflow exploit.

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Buckle your ROFL belt, we're in for some LOLs.
Re:This has gotten ridiculous... by BJ_Covert_Action · 2010-09-09 10:19 · Score: 1

Welcome to the 7th wonder of the internet: self-propagating citations. They're almost as fun as self-propagating code, but more dangerous because they make misinformed people feel smug and more intelligent than they really are.

For further information please see this article about Wikipedia. Also try Googling recursion.

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Motorcycles, Robots, Space Gossip and More!
Re:This has gotten ridiculous... by Culture20 · 2010-09-09 11:23 · Score: 2, Insightful

For further information please see this article about Wikipedia.
Wasn't all of that information on Wikipedia's Wikipedia page original research written by Wikipedia? That article should be deleted for being non-notable, and original research.
Re:This has gotten ridiculous... by jewishbaconzombies · 2010-09-09 11:34 · Score: 1

Quick - someone post this to a news site and then post about it in a forum.

We can't disrupt the timeline or the universe will implode!

(Or worse - cats and dogs living together, Sarah Palin will become president - MASS HYSTERIA!)
Re:This has gotten ridiculous... by enjerth · 2010-09-09 11:38 · Score: 1

Next thing, I'll be waking up to hear the same damn song at the same time every morning. In a small bed & breakfast in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania.
Re:This has gotten ridiculous... by Anonymous Coward · 2010-09-09 11:48 · Score: 0

And your repetitive posts are not helping.
Just saying.
Re:This has gotten ridiculous... by Kristopeit,+M.+D. · 2010-09-09 12:40 · Score: 1

you just acknowledged both.
inspiring such acknowledgement doesn't help, how?
Re:This has gotten ridiculous... by lmnfrs · 2010-09-09 13:05 · Score: 1

It seems we have a conundrum.

Re:Tractor beam? Hardly by mosb1000 · 2010-09-09 09:41 · Score: 2, Funny

You should seriously consider losing some weight.

Dupe by Locke2005 · 2010-09-09 09:42 · Score: 1

Here's your chance to karma whore by copying all the +5 comments from here!

Until the bacterium reroute the main power conduits through the deflector beam to create an inverse tachyon pulse. Then what?

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I've abandoned my search for truth; now I'm just looking for some useful delusions.

Re:Tractor beam? Hardly by eln · 2010-09-09 09:45 · Score: 3, Funny

You can use a repulsor beam like this to bring things within your grasp if it's positioned properly, much like women can increase their own attraction by bringing their much uglier friend with them to the bars. In practical terms, your large gravitational pull is actually counteracted by a natural repulsor beam (also generated by your weight) that keeps women away from you. If this new beam were to be placed directly behind your target, it may be able to successfully counteract your own repulsive field enough to draw the women in, or at least allow them to enter into a stable orbit around you. After that, you just have to turn up the charm and you're golden.

Re:Tractor beam? Hardly by Red+Flayer · 2010-09-09 09:46 · Score: 1

You should seriously consider losing some weight.

Well, that's the damn point. I can't afford to lose weight until we have a working tractor beam, lest I lose all chances of physical contact with members of the opposite sex.

Although I suppose if I lost enough weight I could simply find some who are large enough to not outrun me, or I could even get swept into their gravitational pull. But I kind of prefer being the Jabba to their Leia.

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"Trolls they were, but filled with the evil will of their master: a fell race..." -- J.R.R. Tolkien on Olog-hai

Slashdot need a new flag... by robnator · 2010-09-09 09:46 · Score: 1

Yesterday's News (from Gizmodo)

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"If...you can't be a good example, then you'll just have to be a horrible warning" - Catherine Aird

Re:Tractor beam? Hardly by Locke2005 · 2010-09-09 09:47 · Score: 1

Wake me up when I can use this, instead of my own gravitational pull, to bring things within reach of my grasp. Cowboy Neal, is that you?

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I've abandoned my search for truth; now I'm just looking for some useful delusions.

Re:Tractor beam? Hardly by Red+Flayer · 2010-09-09 09:49 · Score: 1

In practical terms, your large gravitational pull is actually counteracted by a natural repulsor beam (also generated by your weight) that keeps women away from you.

So you're saying that if I could project my stench *behind* my target, it would propel them towards me?

Interesting. And as you say, if they try escaping out the sides, that would just put them into orbit (provided I can move my stench projection as needed).

Interesting. You have given me much to ruminate on.

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"Trolls they were, but filled with the evil will of their master: a fell race..." -- J.R.R. Tolkien on Olog-hai

Well to do this right -- by dwiget001 · 2010-09-09 09:50 · Score: 1

-- they really need to use John Deere or Massey Ferguson tractor beams....

BS by Anonymous Coward · 2010-09-09 09:52 · Score: 0

Real tractor beams can tow space ships, and suck people off the ground

It works! by aztektum · 2010-09-09 09:52 · Score: 1

I aimed it at yesterdays posting of this story and here it is, still hanging around!

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:: aztek ::
No sig for you!!

im not a fan of by nimbius · 2010-09-09 10:11 · Score: 0

the icon...an article reporting on the Australian National University's particle physics research being tagged with Crocodile Dundee's hat??
at best its goofy, at worst its degrading.
can we try for something like Ayers rock or the Usana amphitheater next time?
even better, something related to physics instead of some hollywood stereotypes prop?

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Good people go to bed earlier.

Re:im not a fan of by SleazyRidr · 2010-09-09 10:33 · Score: 1

/. uses a variety of symbols to indicate what each story is about. Does the fact that Bill Gates doesn't work at Microsoft any more, nor was he ever assimilated into a borg mean that they shouldn't use that symbol? Further more, military technology has come a long way since roman times, the earth doesn't cast a shadow, software doesn't always come on CDs, there's more to space than Saturn and whatever other planet that is, Robots don't usually look like the goofy one in the symbol, and crime often doesn't involve handcuffs.
I could be a little prejudiced though, I'm Australian, and until I lost it I wore a hat like that to work every day.

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Is 1563649 a prime number?
Re:im not a fan of by getmerexkramer · 2010-09-09 12:56 · Score: 1

When I saw the icon, I thought tractor beams were being used to keep Paul Hogan within reach of the tax department.
Re:im not a fan of by westlake · 2010-09-09 21:48 · Score: 1

Does the fact that Bill Gates doesn't work at Microsoft any more, nor was he ever assimilated into a borg mean that they shouldn't use that symbol?
Yes.

FFS morons can't even get it right on a dupe?! by Anonymous Coward · 2010-09-09 10:14 · Score: 0

Yes they ARE using this to pull particles in addition to pushing them.

Complain about dupes all you want, they obviously are necessary! Maybe on the third time this guy will get it right?

Time Travel by Zalbik · 2010-09-09 10:16 · Score: 2, Funny

Damnit....I warned them that this would disrupt the space time continuum.

Those fools had to go ahead and do it anyways.

And now look what's happened...we're caught in a loop!

It's not a tractor beam if it requires .... by Sir_Ace · 2010-09-09 10:18 · Score: 0

an atmosphere... Creating suction by heating a medium, doesn't do you any good in space people... :)

Re:Tractor beam? Hardly by Chris+Burke · 2010-09-09 10:24 · Score: 1

But I kind of prefer being the Jabba to their Leia.

Careful, erotic asphyxiation is highly dangerous.

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The enemies of Democracy are

Re:not a real tractor beam - tractor pushing by Anonymous Coward · 2010-09-09 10:25 · Score: 0

You asked...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7by1pFkq9nk

Really old science fiction by Anonymous Coward · 2010-09-09 10:38 · Score: 0

Quite a few really old science fiction writers called them pressor beams instead of tractor beams if they pushed instead of pulled.
I'm talking "Golden age" science fiction, 1920s, 30's, 40's.

Of course this isn't either of those as it requires air, so it's not direct application of force "beams" any more than a fan is a direct application of force.

Laser Tractor Beam by Anonymous Coward · 2010-09-09 12:29 · Score: 0

Push can be converted to pull given an appropriate mirror arrangement. I just saw a Physics colloquium on this last Friday:

http://www.theimec.org/dr-john-sinkos-publications/
http://www.unexplainable.net/Technology/Tractor-Beam-Technology-Developed-for-Space-Debris.shtml

Re:Tractor beam? Hardly by Anonymous Coward · 2010-09-09 14:31 · Score: 0

...Baron Harkonnen? How are you getting around without your suspensors?

Right, this seems as good a time as any by Trogre · 2010-09-09 14:40 · Score: 0, Offtopic

What's happened to the Slashdot tagging system? Why can't I click the little triangle to add new tags to an article anymore? Are only editors allowed to tag articles these days?

And why the hell hasn't anyone marked this one 'dupe'?

When tags were first introduced I saw a massive drop in the rate of duplicate articles that made it past the firehose (was it even called 'firehose' back then? I don't remember)

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"Nine times out of ten, starting a fire is not the best way to solve the problem." - my wife

Re:Tractor beam? Hardly by pspahn · 2010-09-09 14:58 · Score: 1

All hat and no cattle.

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Someone flopped a steamer in the gene pool.

re: dupes by sootman · 2010-09-09 16:38 · Score: 0, Offtopic

You know what though? Slashdot has gotten really good about dupes. Remember how it was kind of a running joke, and then for a while a couple years ago it got really bad? Now, this one is, I think, the second or third dupe I've seen in a year. Congrats to the staff for fixing at least one part of our beloved Slashdot.

Now if you'l excuse me, I'm off to copy some +5 comments from yesterday's thread. :-)

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Dear Slashdot: next time you want to mess with the site, add a rich-text editor for comments.

News Link by Anonymous Coward · 2010-09-09 21:35 · Score: 0

Link to Australian National University Tractor Beam News

Not tractor but by syntap · 2010-09-10 01:36 · Score: 1

If it isn't pulling, it should be a bulldozer beam if we're keeping the analogies straight.

I can't help but think how loud the Klingons would laugh at us if the Enterprise tried to use this, as there is no air to heat in space like the bulldozer beam needs.

Re:Not tractor but by Anonymous Coward · 2010-09-10 13:05 · Score: 0

If it isn't pulling, it should be a bulldozer beam if we're keeping the analogies straight.
I can't help but think how loud the Klingons would laugh at us if the Enterprise tried to use this, as there is no air to heat in space like the bulldozer beam needs.
The Klingons use tractor beams like this themselves, the Klingon Commander orders the ensign to lock on tractor beam (target engines only!) and then the laser beam destroys the enemy ship. This is done so the Commander can then kill the ensign.

The hands by dreamchaser · 2010-09-10 02:05 · Score: 1

Trust me, you don't want to know what EITHER of Cowboyneal's hands are doing at any given time...

Only light? by pclminion · 2010-09-10 07:18 · Score: 1

They say it uses only light, then they say it's based on heating the air around the particle. So it's not "only light" is it? It's air that moves the particle, and the laser is just a high-precision way of heating the air.

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Researchers Create Real Tractor Beams

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