Japanese scientists produce letters with water

Walking on water may be a skill only found in Biblical texts, but a new technology allows Japanese researchers to mould it into shapes - including letters.

Scientists at Akishima Laboratories in Tokyo have developed the AMOEBA, or Advanced Multiple Organized Experimental Basin, a device that generates words with water.

The basin uses 50 water-wave generators surrounding a cylindrical tank, about five feet wide and a foot deep.

These generators move vertically to produce cylindrical waves, which are four inches in diameter and 1.5 inches in height.

The waves are used to form lines and shapes, which can produce all of the Roman alphabet and some kanji characters, according to the scientists.

Each of the characters takes about 15 seconds to produce.

The Japanese scientists hope to sell this device to amusement parks in a package that will combine acoustics, lighting, and fountain technology.

The scientists aim to create images in water that could one day produce watery creatures like the ones seen in James Cameron's 1989 movie, The Abyss.

Photography: Rutgers University

Source: Discovery Channel Reports, July 27 edition