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Dr. Who's Sonic Screwdriver Exists

Posted by CmdrTaco on from the master-still-not-real-tho dept.

Phoghat writes "Television's favourite Time Lord could not exist without his trusty sonic screwdriver, as it's proved priceless in defeating Daleks and keeping the Tardis in check. Now Doctor Who's famous cure-all gadget could become a reality for DIY-ers across the world, say engineers. Ultrasonic engineers at Bristol University and The Big Bang: UK Young Scientists and Engineers Fair are uncovering how a real life version of the fictional screwdriver — which uses sonic technology to open locks and undo screws — could be created."

14 of 179 comments (clear)

  1. /scoff by TheGreatOrangePeel · · Score: 5, Informative

    Title: "...Sonic Screwdriver Exists."
    Summery: "...could be created."
    I call shenanigans.

    1. Re:/scoff by Chad+Birch · · Score: 3, Informative

      Which would accomplish absolutely nothing, since "summery" is a word.

      --
      Sturgeon was an optimist.
  2. Humph by aaronrp · · Score: 3, Funny

    Like The Master, I want a laser screwdriver. Who'd have sonic?

    --
    Write Only Memory: Another pointless blog.
    1. Re:Humph by gstoddart · · Score: 4, Insightful

      Like The Master, I want a laser screwdriver. Who'd have sonic?

      The Doctor used the sonic screwdriver because it couldn't be used as a weapon to kill or maim.

      Just sayin'. :-P

      --
      Lost at C:>. Found at C.
    2. Re:Humph by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 5, Funny

      Like The Master, I want a laser screwdriver. Who'd have sonic?

      Who'd have sonic.

    3. Re:Humph by TheRaven64 · · Score: 4, Informative

      In The Sea Devils, he used it to detonate landmines around the aquatic silurian climbing onto the beach. The only reason it wasn't used to kill or main there was that he was detonating them a little distance away. He's also used it to cut through metal, and various other materials. It's pretty clearly usable as a weapon.

      --
      I am TheRaven on Soylent News
    4. Re:Humph by tepples · · Score: 3, Funny

      Who has sonic.

      Sega.

  3. I declare vaporware. by jewens · · Score: 4, Interesting

    Of course it would be cool to see some of the potential applications make their way back into Dr. Who.

    ex. the Doctor using his screwdriver as an ultrasonic welder.

    --
    That group of bovine standing over there appears quite portentous. That's right it's an ominous cow herd.
  4. Re:okay thats great but by robthebloke · · Score: 3, Funny

    The lib/con coalition government did a cost/benefit analysis as part of their spending review. Whilst I don't have a source to hand, IIRC it came down to a simple decision in the end. On one hand you could invest billions in military hardware to save cardiff from an alien invasion. On the other hand, you could simply erect some signs pointing out the direction of Swansea. When it went to a vote in the house of commons, no one could find fault in the second option.....

  5. Plot holes by BigBadBus · · Score: 3, Insightful

    Ah, but can it be used to paper over plot holes, or do just about everything to further the plot. It seems to do just about anything but unscrew screws, but what do you expect from writers who just can't write decent plots? Whats the point of getting the Doctor into a tricky situation if all he has to do is take out his sonic screwdriver and whoosh- instantly solved. Sheer lasiness from the writers. But then again, they probably have an eye on merchandising and toy sales...

    --
    My web domain.
  6. Please correct the slug by LocalH · · Score: 3, Informative

    It's "Doctor Who", not "Dr. Who".

    Yes, I'm ignoring the Cushing films. Just like most people do.

    --
    FC Closer
  7. Re:Chicks? by ByOhTek · · Score: 3

    just ignore him and pay attention to Amy Pond, and everything will be ok

    --
    Self proclaimed typo king, and inventor of the bear destroying coffee table (patent not pending).
  8. Re:okay thats great but by SETIGuy · · Score: 4, Funny

    We keep doing TARD over and over again. Every time I look, society is reTARDed.

    --
    Support SETI@home
  9. Wow, Dr. Who's Sonic Screwdriver Exists! by RapmasterT · · Score: 4, Insightful

    Dr. Who's Sonic Screwdriver Exists...and all it took was redefining the words "sonic screwdriver" and "exists".

    I swear, writing inaccurate headlines that give impressions 180 degrees from the story facts is an art that you just can't teach.