Fri, November 20, 2009
BEIJING, Nov. 20 (Xinhuanet)-- Scientists have developed a Star Trek-like phaser, capable of causing paralysis with a beam of light. The findings are published in the Journal of the American Chemical Society but so far the weapon only has an effect on small worms.
Researchers found that by exposing the tiny worms to ultraviolet light they were paralyzed. The animals stayed stunned even when the ultraviolet light was turned off. The scientists also found the worms recovered if they were subsequently exposed to a different form of light.
Although some of the worms died, most of them lived through the process, researchers said. The effect is caused by using a molecule which changes its shape when exposed to ultraviolet light. The scientists, from Simon Fraser University in Canada, fed the molecule to the worms and then tested what happened when they exposed them to the light.
The team behind the study claim that the phaser could someday be used as a treatment for medical conditions, but admit that they are unsure what they would be.
Phasers are energy weapons popularized by the original Star Trek science fiction series from the 1960s. The ranged from hand-held versions to starship-mounted weapons. The devices were able to bet set on various settings from "stun" to "kill".
(Agencies)
