Levitation, the ability to defy gravities bonds has been achieved using a number of technologies, most commonly superconducting magnets. Now a team of scientists from Argonne National Laboratory have demonstrated acoustic levitation. Using nothing more than simple sound waves the device is able to cancel out gravity, for very small amounts of liquid.

Originally developed by NASA to simulate small zero g environments the acoustic levitation technology works by creating two set of sound waves (22kHz) that perfectly interfere with each other, creating a standing wave at certain points or nodes.

The scientists at Argonne have applied the technology to a mixing process when manufacturing drugs. Some drugs require mixing without touching any surface, levitation was the answer in this case.

Acoustic levitation, a fascinating solution to an unusual problem, and simply incredible to watch.

Reference: Wired
Reference: Wikipedia Acoustic Levitation