A “smart sieve” that separates tiny particles into different sizes and weighs
them at the same time has been developed at University College London. Haroun
Mahgerefteh and his colleagues blow the particles into a coiled spring. A
“stepper motor” then gradually pulls the spring apart, so particles fall through
the expanding gaps in ever-increasing sizes. The change in weight of the
apparatus is monitored, so you know how much material has been sieved at each
setting of the spring. Drugs firms could sort and weigh powders with the
sieve.
To continue reading, today with our introductory offers
Advertisement
More from New Scientist
Explore the latest news, articles and features
ÎçÒ¹¸£Àû1000¼¯ºÏ
CAR T-cell therapy bolstered by stiffening up cancer cells first
News
Mind
Where do you think your ‘self’ is? Your answer is revealing
Comment
Mind
Vocal fry is more common in men, actually, find scientists
News
Environment
Will burying dead trees after a wildfire keep their carbon locked up?
News
Popular articles
Trending New Scientist articles
1
Why autism pioneer Uta Frith wants to dismantle the spectrum
2
Rebooting stem cells builds aged muscles and assists injury recovery
3
Neanderthals treated a dental cavity by drilling into the tooth
4
Asteroid set to fly very close to Earth
5
Carbon credits are flawed, but they can still help save forests
6
Vocal fry is more common in men, actually, find scientists
7
Where did the laws of physics come from? I think I've found the answer
8
A new tectonic plate boundary could be forming in southern Africa
9
Why do particle physicists like spending time in fields?
10
3 things you need to know about quantum computers, from an expert
