Simulation of a Higgs boson decaying into four muons, CERN, 1990
If the significance can be explained in layperson’s terms, I’d sure like to have a go at understanding it.
The Higgs boson is the only Standard Model particle that has not been observed and is thought to be the mediator of mass. Experimental detection of the Higgs boson would help explain the origin of mass in the universe. The Higgs boson would explain the difference between the massless photon, which mediates electromagnetism, and the massive W and Z bosons, which mediate the weak force. If the Higgs boson exists, it is an integral and pervasive component of the material world
Simulation of a Higgs boson decaying into four muons, CERN, 1990
When you get mathematically close to a Black Hole, or Singularity in space, all the known laws of physics break down. All the equations come out to = infinity. Whether it is a physicist or a theoretical mathematician, this breakdown of laws such as E=MC2 gives them migraines. The presence of the Higgs Boson would fix those problems, but until its proven to exist, its all theory.
So if this is correct, and it has been found, then Physicists will be able to fully describe creation mathematically. Possibly even be able to tell us what the universe was like BEFORE the big bang. Let’s just say, its been the missing piece to the puzzle.
This might help; it is somewhat detailed, though in quite a layperson's terms, and touches on significance of a find:
The Theory of Everything - ESQ, 2006 November 30, by Tyler Cabot
For a hundred years, physicists have been scraping away at the strange and complicated phenomena obscuring the true face of our universe. Finally, a few brilliant young thinkers may be on the verge of getting the first real glimpse. .....