Can we use magnetic fields to make and manipulate gravity?

NAMUR, Belgium, Jan. 8 (UPI) -- André Füzfa, a math professor at Namur University in Belgium, wants researchers to take a more aggressive approach toward the study of gravity.

In a new paper, accepted for publication in the journal Physical Review D, Füzfa calls for scientists to use magnetic fields to make, measure, manipulate and use gravitational fields -- both for scientific study and technological innovation.

Currently, scientists are content to study gravity passively, observing the gravitational forces of Earth and other large bodies in space -- stars, black holes, planets, dwarf planets, comets, asteroids.

Füzfa wonders: Why travel so far from home, when we can make gravity right here in our backyard?

If scientists could create controllable gravitational fields, they could bend space-time and test Einstein's theory of general relativity.

The manipulation of matter and high-energy particles using particle accelerators has resulted in a number of game-changing revelations. Füzfa says a similar approach to gravity could be equally revealing.

In his paper, Füzfa, a physicist and cosmologist, offers a mathematical framework for a gravity-manipulation device.

"Until now, a scientific advance like this was a dream of science fiction, but it could open up many new applications tomorrow," officials write in a press release.

"For example in the field of telecommunications with gravitational waves: imagine calling the other side of the world without going through satellite or terrestrial relays!"