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New Zealand Scientists Make Atom-Trapping Breakthrough

Posted by timothy on from the gotta-keep-'em-separated dept.

Mogster writes with this news from New Zealand: "'University of Otago scientists have made a 'major physics breakthrough' with the development of a technique to consistently isolate and capture a fast-moving single atom. A team of four researchers from the university's physics department are believed to be the first to isolate and photograph the Rubidium 85 atom.' Good to see Kiwis following in Rutherford's footsteps."

10 of 101 comments (clear)

  1. I'm Uncertain by Penguinshit · · Score: 5, Funny

    I'll believe it when I can see it (or determine its velocity).

    --

    I have something in common with Stephen Hawking...

  2. Is the photograph life size or something? by countertrolling · · Score: 5, Funny

    Because I couldn't see it..

    --
    For justice, we must go to Don Corleone
    1. Re:Is the photograph life size or something? by grcumb · · Score: 4, Funny

      Because I couldn't see it..

      Cool! It's a next-generation SPACER.GIF!!

      I'm sending a memo to corporate right now:

      "Beginning immediately, all references to SPACER.GIF on the toofuckinghipformymother.com website will be renamed to 'Rubidium85.GIF'. This use of quantum technologies and cutting-edge physics should improve performance by at least 134% and promises an ROI of 7 or more. We estimate that the transition can be completed by Q1 2012 using our existing development resources, or by Thursday if we replace the bonobo with a human."

      --
      Crumb's Corollary: Never bring a knife to a bun fight.
    2. Re:Is the photograph life size or something? by jamesh · · Score: 2, Funny

      I could see it, but I didn't know where it was.

  3. not until.... by ckeo · · Score: 3, Funny

    When they can pluck one out of mid air with a pair of chop sticks, i'll be impressed.

  4. Turns out much like James woods by antifoidulus · · Score: 4, Funny

    You can just lure the atoms into a t rap with a trail of candy.

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    Monstar L
  5. Only a Rb atom? by MacGyver2210 · · Score: 2, Funny

    Do it with a Photon and I'll be impressed.

    --
    If the only way you can accept an assertion is by faith, then you are conceding that it can't be taken on its own merits
  6. Re:Oh... by advocate_one · · Score: 2, Funny
    to save you the disappointment, here's one I trapped just now for you...:

    .

    --
    Donald 'Duck' Dunn: We had a band powerful enough to turn goat piss into gasoline.
  7. Free the Rubidium 85!!! by Required+Snark · · Score: 3, Funny

    The Rubidium 85 are being illegally restrained against their will, and the laws of nature!!! We must rise up and free our atomic comrades!!! Atom traps are cruel and unusual punishment!!!

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    Why is Snark Required?
  8. Gotta pay up by SharpFang · · Score: 2, Funny

    All that experience isolating and capturing a single fast-moving sheep gotta pay up...

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    45 5F E1 04 22 CA 29 C4 93 3F 95 05 2B 79 2A B2