"Despite all physicists accepting the theory to be true, when Breit and Wheeler first proposed the theory, they said that they never expected it be shown in the laboratory. Today, nearly 80 years later, we prove them wrong. What was so surprising to us was the discovery of how we can create matter directly from light using the technology that we have today in the UK. As we are theorists we are now talking to others who can use our ideas to undertake this landmark experiment."
All this based on some scribbled equations on the back of a napkin at some nondescript coffee shop. How can anyone take science seriously when these types of claims are published?
I agree, except I would speculate that the error is with the reporter, not with the scientists. What they have is a "Proposed Experiment", not a "Discovery".
It's sort of like Archimedes, with his shouts of "Eureka!", while running naked through the streets of Syracuse, after "discovering" how to measure volume of an object while entering his bath tub. His theory ultimately proved correct, but his timing was premature.
The science is settled. The debate is over.
I caught that, too.
Science holds far too many theories as fact when they have never been proven. Jumping to conclusions will eventually lead you so far from the truth that you will cease to recognize it.
But boring old truth doesn’t get you research grants like sexy theories that require lots of gold and high-powered lasers to test.
When the President of the United States stands in front of Cameras and proclaims climate Change/Globull Warming as settled science based on politics and huge donations from Green Business interests I can understand why others make wild assed claims after doodling on a napkin.
Yup. These guys did not perform an experiment that proved this. They proposed a method for performing an experiment that would do so.
IOW, Sheldon and Leonard, the theoretical physicists, have come up with an idea. They need to get Howard onto it to make it actually work.
Assuming he can tear himself away from the robotic arm.
All this based on some scribbled equations on the back of a napkin at some nondescript coffee shop. How can anyone take science seriously when these types of claims are published?
+++++++++
Thanks for posting. My thoughts from your fingertips.