Incredibly, students in the US have managed to extinguish a pan fire with the power of bass.
As reported by TechXplore.com, Viet Tran and Seth Robertson, were researching using sound as a fire extinguisher as part of their engineering studies at George Mason University. Initially focusing on high frequencies they quickly realised that it was the low end, 30-60 Hz, which worked best.
Similar research has been carried out before but, until now, no actual machine had been built. The pair have come up with a portable device which, as you can see from the video can be held and pointed at objects.
The machine works by projecting low frequency soundwaves at the source. The wave separates the flames from the oxygen that feeds them, thus removing the essential fuel.
The duo have applied for a patent for the device which could potentially have a dramatic impact on the future of fire-fighting.