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Published online 13 August 2008 | Nature 454, 815 (2008) | doi:10.1038/454815a

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Large Hadron Collider passes first proton test

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  • I wish them well, but frankly this is another example of time and talent wasted on imaginary problems generated by a creative but irrational model of the universe: The Big Bang (that made everything out of nothing), the Higgs particle, Dark Matter, Black Holes, Oscillating Neutrinos (that disappear as needed to confirm Hydrogen-fusion as the energy source for the Sun and the cosmos), etc. These scientists could instead study the 3,000 mass data points that represent all visible matter in the universe and use Einstein's equation ( E = mc^2 ) to advance mankind and our understanding of our real universe: http://www.omatumr.com/Data/2000Data.htm . Oliver K. Manuel . http://myprofile.cos.com/manuelo09

    • 13 Aug, 2008
    • Posted by: O M
  • Professor Dr. Otto E. Rossler'w plea and warning: "A nightmarish situation, that can still be hoped to be averted in time through communication within the scientific community, is drawn attention to. Only a few weeks remain to find out whether the danger is real or nothing but a mirage. After this time window is closed, it will take years until we know whether or not we are doomed. The story line has all the features of a best-selling novel. The reader is asked to contribute constructively." The quote is from Dr. Otto E. Rossler, Professor Theoretical Biochemist, visiting Professor of Theoretical Physics, inventor of the Rossler Attractor, founder of Endophysics, winner of the 2003 Chaos Award of the University of Liege and the 2003 Rene Descartes Award. Copies and links available at LHCFacts.org

    • 13 Aug, 2008
    • Posted by: James Jr Tankersley
  • What else can one say except to wish all the physicists the very best of luck? The elusive world of high energy particle physics can be delusive, yet so enchanting that billions could be spent without any qualm. But the reality in the world outside LHC may well be absolutely ugly. Does one not hear the moaning of millions of destitute mothers and the crying of many more hungry children in the neighbor continent? Has one not turned so numb or torpid as to become insensitive or indifferent to the suffering of others in the relentless pursuit of pure but impalpable knowledge? (Tan Boon Tee)

    • 15 Aug, 2008
    • Posted by: B T Tan
  • The sad facts, Tan, are these: (1.) Squandering billions of dollars does NOT advance science, but it does leave mothers destitute and children hungry. (2.) Physicists who know and appreciate Einstein's equation ( E = Mc^2 ), where E = energy and M = mass, could advance science if they would just invest a few hours studying values of M (mass) for the 3,000 different types of atoms that constitute the entire visible universe [http://www.omatumr.com/Data/2000Data.htm]. This "Cradle of the Nuclides" reveals an energy source that is more powerful than fission or fusion - neutron-repulsion! [Journal of Fusion Energy 20 (2003) pp. 197-201] http://www.omatumr.com/abstracts2003/jfe-neutronrep.pdf Physicists who ignore "what is" cannot possibly contribute to science, no matter how many billions of dollars they waste. Oliver K. Manuel . http://myprofile.cos.com/manuelo09

    • 15 Aug, 2008
    • Posted by: O M
  • Today's news: Dr. Richard L. Hahn and co-workers who "solved" the solar neutrino puzzle with "oscillating neutrinos" seem to be looking for a loophole. They will now lead an international collaboration of researchers to seek evidence that: a.) Neutrinos oscillate at the Daya Bay Nuclear Power Plant in China, and b.) The neutrino is its own anti-particle in double beta-decay studies at the updated Sudbury Neutrino Observatory, named SNO+ for the additional funds needed. http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2008-08/dnl-ctw081508.php Numerous double beta-decay measurements in our laboratory and elsewhere over the past three decades have already closed that loophole [Phys. Rev. 11 (1975) 1378-1384; Nucl. Phys. A453 (1986) 26-44; Nucl, Phys. A457 (1986) 285; Nucl. Phys. A 481 (1988) 477-483; Journal of Physics G: Nuclear and Particle Physics 17 (1991) S221-S229; Nucl. Phys. A529 (1991) 29-38]. Although there is little or no chance that the neutrino is its own anti-particle, there is also little doubt that generous funds will reveal some escape from the current dilemma facing those who thought that they had "solved" the solar neutrino puzzle in 2001.

    • 19 Aug, 2008
    • Posted by: O M
  • Cost of the LHC? Yes, the LHC costs roughly as much as three (3) B-2 Stealth Bombers (one of which was lost recently due to undocumented maintenance procedures). I wonder which of these (the LHC or B-2 Stealth Bombers) will be considered by our descendants in one century from now to have given the greater benefit to the human race? Karl S. Kruszelnicki (University of Sydney)

    • 23 Aug, 2008
    • Posted by: Karl Kruszelnicki