How Lasers Work

Quantum physics is one of science’s most successful theories, yet for nearly a century, physicists have avoided asking what it implies about reality itself. Science writer Adam Becker reveals the reason why: The dominant interpretation of the math underlying quantum physics arose from institutional pressure, political persecution, and the deliberate suppression of alternatives, not through valid scientific debate. In What Is Real?, Becker exposes how physicists abandoned their fundamental mission to understand reality and chose to sidestep quantum mechanics’ profound implications.

Our guide explores the scientific crisis that quantum mechanics created and the social pressures that determined how that crisis was “resolved.” We’ll examine Becker’s argument about how this debate connects to broader questions about scientific truth, and we’ll consider what happened when quantum technologies unearthed these long-buried foundational questions. Along the way, we’ll also examine quantum mechanics’ connections to everything from ancient philosophy to Hollywood blockbusters—and consider what it means to build quantum computers while still being confused about what quantum phenomena tell us about reality.

The science of physics studies many topics, from the gravity holding planets together to electromagnetism and the microscopic forces inside the heart of the atom. Each of these forces works by different rules, some of which contradict each other. For centuries, scientists have sought a single theory that would unify these disparate fields and provide one equation from which we can derive a complete understanding of the universe. In The God Equation, theoretical physicist Michio Kaku suggests that an approach called “string theory” may be the path to uniting all the different laws of nature.

In this guide, we’ll trace the history of discoveries that unify areas of knowledge and reveal the underlying symmetries of nature. We’ll delve into string theory and define terms and concepts to give readers an understanding of the topic. We’ll discuss research to support string theory’s claims, and we’ll touch on the philosophical implications that a theory of the universe entails.

Since humans first looked up, we’ve wondered about our place in the cosmos, yet everything we’ve learned has shown that our ignorance still outstrips our knowledge. While to some that may seem disheartening, science educator Neil deGrasse Tyson finds it exciting to know there’s so much left in the universe to discover. The study of astrophysics, he says, gives us a valuable perspective on ourselves while revealing the nature of the universe in which we live.

Tyson explains in layman’s terms how physicists use the fundamentals of science and the full range of visible and invisible light to unravel the mysteries of the cosmos. He then goes on to cover the three biggest mysteries in astrophysics today—the origin of the universe, dark matter, and dark energy—while making a case for the benefits of understanding where we fit in the universal scheme. In this guide, we’ll also provide the historical context for astronomy’s groundbreaking discoveries and explain in more depth the current theories that are guiding astrophysics’ progress.

Since humans first looked up, we’ve wondered about our place in the cosmos, yet everything we’ve learned has shown that our ignorance still outstrips our knowledge. While to some that may seem disheartening, science educator Neil deGrasse Tyson finds it exciting to know there’s so much left in the universe to discover. The study of astrophysics, he says, gives us a valuable perspective on ourselves while revealing the nature of the universe in which we live.

Tyson explains in layman’s terms how physicists use the fundamentals of science and the full range of visible and invisible light to unravel the mysteries of the cosmos. He then goes on to cover the three biggest mysteries in astrophysics today—the origin of the universe, dark matter, and dark energy—while making a case for the benefits of understanding where we fit in the universal scheme. In this guide, we’ll also provide the historical context for astronomy’s groundbreaking discoveries and explain in more depth the current theories that are guiding astrophysics’ progress.

The science of physics studies many topics, from the gravity holding planets together to electromagnetism and the microscopic forces inside the heart of the atom. Each of these forces works by different rules, some of which contradict each other. For centuries, scientists have sought a single theory that would unify these disparate fields and provide one equation from which we can derive a complete understanding of the universe. In The God Equation, theoretical physicist Michio Kaku suggests that an approach called “string theory” may be the path to uniting all the different laws of nature.

In this guide, we’ll trace the history of discoveries that unify areas of knowledge and reveal the underlying symmetries of nature. We’ll delve into string theory and define terms and concepts to give readers an understanding of the topic. We’ll discuss research to support string theory’s claims, and we’ll touch on the philosophical implications that a theory of the universe entails.

Quantum physics is one of science’s most successful theories, yet for nearly a century, physicists have avoided asking what it implies about reality itself. Science writer Adam Becker reveals the reason why: The dominant interpretation of the math underlying quantum physics arose from institutional pressure, political persecution, and the deliberate suppression of alternatives, not through valid scientific debate. In What Is Real?, Becker exposes how physicists abandoned their fundamental mission to understand reality and chose to sidestep quantum mechanics’ profound implications.

Our guide explores the scientific crisis that quantum mechanics created and the social pressures that determined how that crisis was “resolved.” We’ll examine Becker’s argument about how this debate connects to broader questions about scientific truth, and we’ll consider what happened when quantum technologies unearthed these long-buried foundational questions. Along the way, we’ll also examine quantum mechanics’ connections to everything from ancient philosophy to Hollywood blockbusters—and consider what it means to build quantum computers while still being confused about what quantum phenomena tell us about reality.

Scientists recently achieved a major milestone in nuclear fusion research: creating a fusion reaction that produced more energy than went into it. In theory, fusion could provide clean, safe, and plentiful energy. However, it will be a long time—perhaps decades—before fusion is a viable power source.