Paperclips Dance for Tips on Japanese Subway, Powered By Electromagnetic Fields

A video shot on the floor of a subway car in Kobe, Japan, shows paperclips standing on end whenever the train accelerates or decelerates. The electromagnetism that drives the train’s motors leaks through the floor and excites the clips.

While the magnetism is completely safe for humans, it isn’t for any electronics (cell phones, thumb drives, even credit cards) that might come near the motors.

In response to this video, the Kobe New Transit Company has promised to install more shielding in the floors of all its train lines. No word on whether any other trains in Japan are subject to dancing paperclips, but it makes one wonder how many of the older transit trains around the world would do the same thing.

[via Pink Tentacle]