Unanswered questions
This article appeared in symmetry on Oct. 22, 2013. Do you think scientists have the answers to all the questions? As these researchers admit, there’s still so much to discover. Particle physics is...
View ArticleAnswers to big questions could lie in small particles
This article appeared in symmetry on Nov. 6, 2013. Scientists planning the next decade in US particle physics consider what we can learn from fundamental particles called neutrinos. We live in a galaxy...
View ArticleHow particle physics can save your life
A version of this article appeared in symmetry on Nov. 5, 2013. From new medicines to cancer treatment, the tools of particle physics play an important role in hospitals around the world. Image:...
View ArticleA second chance at sight
This article appeared in symmetry on February 4, 2014. Silicon microstrip detectors, a staple in particle physics experiments, provide information that may be critical to restoring vision to some who...
View ArticleData recall at the LHC?
In a stunning turn of events, Large Hadron Collider (LHC) management announced a recall and review of thousands of results that came from its four main detectors, ATLAS, CMS, LHCb and ALICE, in the...
View ArticleMassive thoughts
This article appeared in symmetry on April 24, 2014. The Higgs boson and the neutrino fascinate the general public and particle physicists alike. Why is that? If there are two particles that everyone...
View ArticleSnowmass, P5, HEPAP, HEP and what it all means to you
I know that the majority of the posts I’ve written have focused on physics issues and results, specifically those related to LHCb. I’d like to take this opportunity, however, to focus on the...
View ArticleLatest video in Huffington Post’s Talk Nerdy to Me video series
Watch Fermilab Deputy Director Joe Lykken in the latest entry in Huffington Post’s “Talk Nerdy To Me” video series. What’s the smallest thing in the universe? Check out the latest entry in Huffington...
View ArticleWhy pure research?
With my first post on Quantum Diaries I will not address a technical topic; instead, I would like to talk about the act (or art) of “studying” itself. In particular, why do we care about fundamental...
View ArticleI feel it mine
On Saturday, 4 October, Nikhef – the Dutch National Institute for Subatomic Physics where I spend long days and efforts – opened its doors, labs and facilities to the public. In addition to Nikhef, all...
View ArticleGeometry and interactions
Or, how do we mathematically describe the interaction of particles? In my previous post, I addressed some questions concerning the nature of the wavefunction, the most truthful mathematical...
View ArticleNew books for the physics fan
This article appeared in symmetry on Dec. 9, 2014. These recently published popular science books will help you catch up on particle physics news, knowledge and history. Image: Artwork Sandbox Studio,...
View ArticleThe Ties That Bind
Beneath the ATLAS detector – note the well-placed cable ties. IMAGE: Claudia Marcelloni, ATLAS Experiment © 2014 CERN. A few weeks ago, I found myself in one of the most beautiful places on earth:...
View ArticlePhysics + wine = plasma + fun
Ever fancied making your own particle accelerator? Fermilab posted a great blog entry last month (here) showing how anyone can make a particle detector for viewing cosmic rays. In this post, I will...
View ArticleGetting teachers back on TRAC
This article appeared in Fermilab Today on July 8, 2015. Kerbie Reader, a high school math teacher, works at the Muon g-2 ring as part of Fermilab’s TRAC program. Photo: Ali Sundermier Bonnie Weiberg...
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