Scientists at the University of Nottingham (UK) have managed to levitate some of the heaviest elements, including diamond, lead and platinum.

Based around a powerful magnet, their antigravity machine levitates objects in a similar way to how a maglev train runs above its tracks.

Professor Peter King explained: “We can take an object and float it in mid-air because the magnetic forces on the object are enough to balance gravity.”

The device exploits diamagnetism. Place non-magnetic objects inside a strong magnetic field and they act like weak magnets. Generate a field that is stronger below and weaker above, and the resulting upward magnetic force cancels out gravity.

Diamagnetism has already been exploited to make wood, strawberries and a living frog fly. To make their machine more powerful, the researchers added an oxygen and nitrogen mixture, a paramagnetic fluid. Inside the magnet, the mixture helps objects to float.

The researchers are working with Rio Tinto to develop the technique to sort precious stones from soil. The US space agency Nasa is also interested as it offers a cheaper way for zero gravity research.

Pics and video (via technovelgy).

Via The Guardian. Press Release.