[lioeters]

> multi-ton granite block .. suspended from the ceiling of the building

That's fun to imagine. I've heard of vibration isolation for machines, using springs and such, but this is on a whole another scale. Sounds like the building must be designed for it specifically to withstand this kind of pull.

And to be able to take an image of an individual atom, what an experience.

[lanthade]

Yeah I have no idea how they pulled off the structural piece. The building was built long before the technology was invented. It is a specialized building though. I was reading about its renovation/expansion in 2014. Apparently there are a couple 2 story labs to accommodate large distillation columns and there was additional vibration isolation work done because there's now a light rail train running right outside it.

Speaking of interesting building design, the chemistry building on the same campus was designed to channel any lab explosions upward. Apparently the roof will blow off but the building won't blow out and damage other buildings around it. Inside the building you die, outside you keep walking to class.