Stunning development, but it's still no go against cloud vampires

OK, so what if this only works on worms...for now. Didn't you ever see Tremors?
(Or... what was that other big worm movie? "Sand"?)

Star Trek-like phaser developed

Scientists have developed a Star Trek-like phaser, capable of causing paralysis with a beam of light. However, anyone hoping that the machine will become a powerful new weapon could be disappointed: scientists have only proven the effect on worms. ...

In any case, this is a small but tremendous jump—and once again, the writer couches it in Trek terms because that's how the mass public can best digest the concept. Even in England:

Meanwhile, maybe this R&D would move along a lot faster if we all took notes from here ....


Blu-Ray Laser Phaser! -