Every new scientific discovery and invention has the potential to change the world and how we operate within it. But one in particular changed the way science itself carries out its research and does its business. The cyclotron was that invention and the man behind it was Ernest Lawrence.
It would transform everything about how science was conducted, in ways that still matter today.
Michael Hiltzik - Big Science.
However, the cyclotron we are now most familiar with,
is contained in a circular tunnel 17 miles in circumference, spanning the boarders of two countries.
Yet, it basically does what Lawrence's cyclotron did and that is to focus on the infinitesimally small particles that reside inside the atom.
I find that having the largest scientific creation on earth, to attempt to discover the smallest particle in the universe, a very unique dichotomy. The particle that the Hadron Collider was designed to discover is known as the
particle. But, just on the car ride to work today, I found out that they now think there may be even smaller particles to search for and that finding them could just lead to even smaller ones.
Michael Hiltzik, the Pulitzer Prize winning journalist of the L.A. Times, tells the story of how scientific research was transformed because of Lawrence's invention and the results that sprang out of this revolutionary new way of doing science.
No longer was it the tinkering of one or two people in a laboratory, it now requires huge sums of money, hundreds of scientists, engineers, doctors and virtually every discipline from math to physics to architecture.
The results are even more grandiose. All are part of this radical shift that Michael chronicles in his book:
Big Science
. From the atom bomb to the discovery of new isotopes that changed the periodic table to virtually
all new medical procedures.
Michael's thorough journalistic approach shows the positive results of "Big Science" along with its troublesome issues that are still being debated today.
It also explores how although "Big Science" is a dominant force in business, the military and our universities, sometimes it still requires the tinkering of one or two people, literally in their garages, to still give us the biggest bang for the buck.
In fact, Ennest Lawrence himself, after leading the mission to uncover the force of the atom with the great physicist Robert Oppenheimer during their leading roles in the Manhattan Project, returned to his garage and became one of the pioneers of colored television. His patented tube would be the backbone of Sony's Trinitron television.
So, just like
Steve Jobs
and
Steven Wozniak
, two people in a garage can still achieve life altering discoveries. By the way, I just saw the film
Steve Jobs
and it is a masterpiece of cinema.
My conversation with Michael debuts this week on most of our PBS stations and you don't need to know any science ahead of time to appreciate the awe and wonder that humankind is capable of achieving.
Support HuffPost
Our 2024 Coverage Needs You
Your Loyalty Means The World To Us
At HuffPost, we believe that everyone needs high-quality journalism, but we understand that not everyone can afford to pay for expensive news subscriptions. That is why we are committed to providing deeply reported, carefully fact-checked news that is freely accessible to everyone.
Whether you come to HuffPost for updates on the 2024 presidential race, hard-hitting investigations into critical issues facing our country today, or trending stories that make you laugh, we appreciate you. The truth is, news costs money to produce, and we are proud that we have never put our stories behind an expensive paywall.
Would you join us to help keep our stories free for all? Your contribution of as little as $2 will go a long way.
Can't afford to donate? Support HuffPost by creating a free account and log in while you read.
As Americans head to the polls in 2024, the very future of our country is at stake. At HuffPost, we believe that a free press is critical to creating well-informed voters. That's why our journalism is free for everyone, even though other newsrooms retreat behind expensive paywalls.
Our journalists will continue to cover the twists and turns during this historic presidential election. With your help, we'll bring you hard-hitting investigations, well-researched analysis and timely takes you can't find elsewhere. Reporting in this current political climate is a responsibility we do not take lightly, and we thank you for your support.
Contribute as little as $2 to keep our news free for all.
Can't afford to donate? Support HuffPost by creating a free account and log in while you read.
Dear HuffPost Reader
Thank you for your past contribution to HuffPost. We are sincerely grateful for readers like you who help us ensure that we can keep our journalism free for everyone.
The stakes are high this year, and our 2024 coverage could use continued support. Would you consider becoming a regular HuffPost contributor?
Dear HuffPost Reader
Thank you for your past contribution to HuffPost. We are sincerely grateful for readers like you who help us ensure that we can keep our journalism free for everyone.
The stakes are high this year, and our 2024 coverage could use continued support. If circumstances have changed since you last contributed, we hope you’ll consider contributing to HuffPost once more.
Already contributed? Log in to hide these messages.
