Japanese Scientist Float And Move Objects Mid-Air With Sound

By Matt Staggs on January 3, 2014 in News

Levitating objects with sound has been done before, but these scientists have taken it to a new level.

Via NPR:

Researchers in Tokyo have put a new twist on the use of sound to suspend objects in air. They’ve used ultrasonic standing waves to trap pieces of wood, metal, and water – and even move them around.

Researchers have used sound to levitate objects in previous experiments, dating back decades. But that work has largely relied on speakers that were set up in a line to bounce sound waves off a hard surface.

The new experiment uses four speakers to surround an open square area that’s about 21 inches wide. Four phased arrays use standing waves to create an ultrasonic focal point in that space, as the researchers explain in a video about their work.

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Japanese Scientist Float And Move Objects Mid-Air With Sound

Joan Jett switches from Macy"s South Dakota float after protest

A trade group for ranchers in South Dakota complained about Joan Jett’s placement on the state’s float in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade.

• NEW: Jett says she wants to be on another float because of “people’s political agendas”


• Joan Jett & the Blackhearts are kicked off the float after cattlemen protest to Macy’s


• “We were rightly concerned about her representing South Dakota,” ranchers’ rep says


• Jett supports PETA, which says “the meat trade can’t stand any scrutiny of its cruelty”

(CNN) — Rock star Joan Jett was removed from a parade float representing South Dakota in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade after ranchers protested her appearance, saying she’s a vegetarian and a critic of their livestock production.

Jett is a supporter of People for the Ethic Treatment of Animals, the world’s largest animal rights group that promotes a vegetarian diet and condemns factory farms and ranches.

“I’ve decided to switch from South Dakota to another float because people’s political agendas were getting in the way of what should be a purely entertainment driven event,” Jett said in a statement Saturday. “I will remain focused on entertaining the millions of people watching, who will be celebrating a great American tradition.”

The trade group for ranchers in South Dakota complained about Jett’s placement on the state’s float, CNN affiliate KEVN reported.

“So, of course, when we learned that about Miss Jett, we were rightly concerned about her representing South Dakota and a state that is so heavily reliant on agriculture and livestock production to drive our economy,” Jodie Anderson of the South Dakota Cattlemen’s Association said, according to the station.

A Macy’s spokesman said Jett and her Blackhearts band will be moved to another float, and another undetermined performer will take Jett’s place on the South Dakota float, the affiliate said.

A PETA leader said the controversy reflected what the group deems as problems in the cattle industry.

“Thanks to South Dakota’s reactionary ranchers, people across the country have learned why Joan Jett supports PETA. The meat trade can’t stand any scrutiny of its cruelty,” PETA Senior Vice President Dan Mathews said in a statement.

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Joan Jett switches from Macy"s South Dakota float after protest

Families to boycott festival after Jimmy Savile float won prize

He wrote: “One of your floats thought it would be ‘funny’ to do a cover of the theme tune from Jim with Fix it, and thought this would be seen as humour? Am sorry, in light of the events surrounding that programme and the revelations since it I feel that was a step way over the line.

“What I hoped would be a pleasant night and a good memory has now been tainted. I can see a lot of work went into the parade but fear that will be the outstanding memory for all who had the misfortune to witness it.

“Humour is funny. That was just out of order.”

But festival bosses claimed they had never censored anyone from entering the parade and it was up to individuals “own conscience” when entering the parade.

Maria Joaquin also posted on the site: “It is staggering truly beyond belief that *anyone* could be so thoughtless, stupid, ignorant, insensitive to do such a thing.

“And contrary to the statement of the Lauder Common Riding Committee it is not in any sense an issue of ‘censorship’ – to use that as a defence for the committee’s total abrogation of responsibility is simply nauseating.”

Some of the comments on the Lauder Common Riding Committee’s social networking page have since been removed.

Christine Grahame MSP whose constituency includes the area, said she thought the float was in “poor taste” and was a “serious misjudgement.”

The parade took place as part of the Lauder Common Riding programme in the Scottish borders, held to celebrate the Royal Burgh’s history.

In response to the comments on the Facebook page, organisers said: “Lauder Common Riding Committee is responsible for running one of the oldest and largest equestrian events in Europe.

“Our main aim is to ensure this event is run safely and for the enjoyment of spectators and the many hundreds who take part in all our events. This we have done very successfully both this year and in the past.

“Our fancy dress parade is only one element of our week and is a long-standing tradition. We have never censored anyone who has entered the event. It is up to the individuals who enter and their conscience to decide how they wish to express themselves and approach the event.

“People spectate and take part of their own free will. This year we did not receive any complaints about any of the entrants.

“We are obviously dismayed and understand that people are upset by the coverage one of the entries has received; however, we would reiterate that the committee does not condone or condemn the individual’s right to enter the parade in their own way.”

The BBC recently set aside £19.1 million for compensation claims, which are likely to include victims who were abused by Savile. Many of his 214 known offences took place on BBC sites.

A Scotland Yard and NSPCC report published last year found Savile spent “every waking minute” thinking about abusing children and used his celebrity status to win their trust.

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Families to boycott festival after Jimmy Savile float won prize