You know how a compass needle moves when it’s near a magnet? Some special atoms do the same thing—they wiggle and tilt when there’s a magnetic force nearby. The cool part is—scientists figured out how to “talk” to these atoms and read how they wiggle. The way they wiggle tells you about nearby magnetic forces. What is that good for? These atoms are very small and very sensitive and so they can measure very, very small things—like single cells, or single molecules. This is a really good way of learning about things we cannot see—like how molecules, cells, or neurons in our brain respond to things like medication or other biological processes. Which means we can learn how to work with them better.
Research keyword/s: Quantum sensing
About the BEAKER STREET ROVING SCIENTIST PROGRAM
Each August, hundreds of Roving Scientists descend upon Hobart, filling up pubs and chatting to strangers as part of Beaker Street Festival. Discover a new world down the lens of microscope, and joining the least-boring bar conversations you’ve ever heard and these free (the chats – not the drinks) events.
For Scientists, Beaker Street’s Roving Scientist Program offers an excellent outreach, professional development, and networking opportunity. It’s the nerdiest and funnest way to share your research with the public, expand your network, and be inspired by leaders in all sectors of science and science communication.
