THE stuff of science fiction could become science fact if a speculative research project based in Lancashire is successful.

The idea of anti-gravity -- manipulating gravitational fields to man's advantage -- is often ridiculed by the scientific community as sheer fantasy.

But it has been reported that a team from Lancaster University is working closely with scientists from BAE near Preston to dream the impossible.

A website has been posted called 'greeglow.co.uk' which describes the pioneering project as "a speculative research programme in the realm of gravitational physics with the aim of initiating some new areas of research and priming technology development."

It adds: "There is a great deal of interest in the possibility of the control of gravitational fields and we may wish to harness this support in the quest for funding."

The idea of anti-gravity is said to break the laws of physics and the protagonists, who fear ridicule from their peers, are remaining tight-lipped about the project.

A spokesman from the physics department at Lancaster University refused to comment.

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