Minimally-invasive surgical tools pop into shape inside the body

One of the challenges of minimally invasive laparoscopic surgery lies in getting surgical instruments into the patient’s body via a narrow catheter. Scientists have set about addressing that problem, with magnetic instruments that pop into and out of s… Continue reading Minimally-invasive surgical tools pop into shape inside the body

MRead tech promises faster, more accurate land mine detection

While metal detectors are useful for detecting land mines, they can be fooled by buried metallic debris … plus some mines don’t contain any metal. A new system is claimed to work better, by reading the unique molecular signature of the explosives used … Continue reading MRead tech promises faster, more accurate land mine detection

Magnetic solution removes toxic “forever chemicals” from water in seconds

Scientists in Australia have developed an intriguing new technique for removing toxic “forever chemicals” from water. Adding a solution to contaminated water coats the pollutants and makes them magnetic, so they can easily be attracted and isolated.Con… Continue reading Magnetic solution removes toxic “forever chemicals” from water in seconds

“Cosmic magnet” recreated in lab as alternative to rare earths

Rare earth elements are a key part of electronic and mechanical devices, but they’re in short supply. Now, scientists have found a way to recreate a promising alternative – a “cosmic magnet” that normally takes millions of years to form in meteorites c… Continue reading “Cosmic magnet” recreated in lab as alternative to rare earths

Listen to the spooky soundscape of Earth’s magnetic field

The Earth’s magnetic field is something that many of us may take for granted, since it’s not something we can see, feel or hear. That last point has now changed though, as scientists and musicians have worked together to convert magnetic field data int… Continue reading Listen to the spooky soundscape of Earth’s magnetic field

Magnetic Gearbox Design Improvements Are Toothless but Still Cool

Any project that contains something called a “flux modulator” instantly commands our attention. And while we’re pretty sure that [Retsetman] didn’t invent it after hitting his head on the toilet, …read more Continue reading Magnetic Gearbox Design Improvements Are Toothless but Still Cool

MQ3 keyring flashlight features a quick-release magnetic base

While there are now quite a few mini keyring flashlights on the market, most of them have to be held along with the keys when in use. YSMART London’s MQ3 is different, in that it magnetically – and quickly – pops on and off of a keyring-mounted base.Co… Continue reading MQ3 keyring flashlight features a quick-release magnetic base

World’s strongest steady magnetic field generated in China

Scientists in China have set a new world record for the strongest steady magnetic field ever generated on Earth. The hybrid magnet managed to produce a field measuring 45.22 Tesla (T), which is over a million times stronger than the planet’s own.Contin… Continue reading World’s strongest steady magnetic field generated in China