Majorana Particle Detected

[Zam-Zam]

I know that most people here may not be interested in the following link, but for anyone who is like me, this is fascinating;


Scientists at TU Delft's Kavli Institute and the Foundation for Fundamental Research on Matter (FOM Foundation) have succeeded for the first time in detecting a Majorana particle. In the 1930s, the brilliant Italian physicist Ettore Majorana deduced from quantum theory the possibility of the existence of a very special particle, a particle that is its own anti-particle: the Majorana fermion. That 'Majorana' would be right on the border between matter and anti-matter.



http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120413160004.htm

 

[Jen]

I have always been interested in this stuff. But of course.... I'm a fan of Star Trek and have watched as many "unbelievable" things that we saw there were (crude most times) prototypes for thinks we now have held in our hands (early flip phones). So I pay attention to the happenings at CERN and anything else in science that's making a move forward.

 

[LeRoy_Was_Here]

Yes, that is interesting. Probably would have made more sense to post it in the Science section, though. Doesn't have a whole lot to do with the 'environment'.

 

[fairsheet]

I know that most people here may not be interested in the following link, but for anyone who is like me, this is fascinating;


Scientists at TU Delft's Kavli Institute and the Foundation for Fundamental Research on Matter (FOM Foundation) have succeeded for the first time in detecting a Majorana particle. In the 1930s, the brilliant Italian physicist Ettore Majorana deduced from quantum theory the possibility of the existence of a very special particle, a particle that is its own anti-particle: the Majorana fermion. That 'Majorana' would be right on the border between matter and anti-matter.



http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120413160004.htm

I think it's cool that they found this thing, if only because people who understand it think it's cool. Speaking for myself though, this matter/anti-matter stuff is so far over my head, it doesn't matter!

 

[Jen]

It could prove to be useful when the Borg show up.

 

[Cicero]

"Scotty, what's wrong?"

"It's the Dilithium crystals Captain. They are drained and can no longer fuel the matter/anti-matter cycle!"

"Damn it Scotty. We need those Majorana!"

"Captain, I'm an engineer not a miracle worker!"