On September 20, 2017, the UK pledged 65 million pounds, roughly 88 million dollars, to a collaborative research project with the United States that will involve exploring the origin and structure of our universe. The project will mainly focus on the study of neutrinos. This marks the first scientific collaboration of its kind between our countries. The implications of this deal promise progress for physics and technology especially. In fact, most of the large advancements in STEM have taken place when countries work together to utilize resources. At first glance, the UK’s contribution might not seem like much. Still, this project promises incredible rewards for the general public. The ongoing research and discovery will improve humanity’s quality of life on a personal and collective level.
Neutrinos are an extremely illusive subatomic particle. They are so small that literally billions pass through us every moment. Remarkably, next to none of them will even interact with our atoms. Scientists know little about them. Still, neutrinos could help us understand why the universe is made of more matter than antimatter. They have been found in both states. They could be key in explaining how the universe materialized during the Big Bang.
This new scientific understanding will also change the parameters by which physicists and engineers operate. By understanding the way matter forms and has formed, scientists should be able to manipulate it to their own will. This means using nature, and even space, to our benefit. The very nature of science begs the question of whether or not mankind should interfere with the process just because we can. Regardless, the benefits outweigh ethical concerns at the moment.
Another aspect of the study aims to settle the theory of decaying protons. The current “standard model” for physics–which explains all of the fundamental particles–says it’s impossible for protons to decay. While no certain evidence suggests that protons decay, many theories predict they do, just obscenely slowly. And this collective group of theorists hopes the study will give evidence to the theory. University of Manchester particle physics professor Stefan Söldner-Rembold explains, “So far we have no evidence for proton decay, but if it does occur, the DUNE should be able to locate it within the liquid argon with millimetre precision.”
Like the understanding of neutrinos, the increased knowledge of these subatomic particles has the ability to change how the world works. Imagine a world where medicine has the ability to understand the decay of cells and DNA–there’s no doubt longer life-spans and increased quality of medicine are inevitable. Health and medicine impact us all, and improving its quality is a noble task. The solution to cellular diseases like cancer can exist with the understanding of these particles. Quite simply, the impact this information will have on human life is boundless.
Scientists have already shed some light on specific details of the neutrino experiments. Söldner-Rembold is one of around one thousand scientists involved. Leadership has chosen him to design and run “The Deep Underground Neutrino Experiment,” or DUNE. His article in The Conversation examines what physicists know about neutrinos and the general basis of the experiment. Söldner-Rembold states, “DUNE will use four large tanks, each containing 10,000 tonnes of liquid argon held at a temperature of -186˚C, to detect the neutrinos with much greater precision than previous experiments that were smaller or used tanks full of water.”
Argon has an extremely low temperature. Accordingly, scientists will probably use it to see if it’s possible to slow down neutrinos. In turn, they’ll get a better look at them and their behavior. Simple changes like the material used may seem insignificant, but any chemist will contest. The simple structure of an atom can make it beneficial or poisonous, so these changes are likely to aid tremendously. An intelligent collaboration like this is bound to yield promising results.
While this partnership promises copiously for the scientific communities, it will greatly benefit our countries’ international relations as well. UK Science Minister Jo Johnson claims that other countries see the UK as “a nation of science and technical progress, with research and development being at the core of our industrial strategy. By working with our key allies, we are maintaining our position as a global leader in research for years to come.” Global alliances ensure access to resources and a general wealth of information. The global population increases as resources diminish. Countries need partnerships to coexist efficiently.
STEM is a uniquely inclusive aspect of international relations because science shares a common goal for the betterment of human life. Especially with all the civil unrest in today’s society, any common goal that brings unity, like that of science, should be valued and pursued. Specifically, it can unify people on a national and international level. In collaborating with other states for the progress of science, nations create stronger ties for the betterment of their own nation and for humanity as a whole.
In the same way politics benefit from international science projects, so does the economy. Sharing knowledge leads to scientific breakthroughs that fuel technological advancements that eventually make their way to the public. In turn, economies have the potential to skyrocket. According to Jack Grove, the United Kingdom’s involvement in the project provides the industry to build in developing technologies in precision engineering, cryogenics, and accelerator-based applications, while already providing work for fourteen UK universities and two Council-funded laboratories who provide essential expertise to the Long-Baseline Neutrino Facility–with whom DUNE is collaborating to conduct their experiments.
Staying ahead of these advancements and discoveries are imperative to the scientific community because being in the lead means the recognition, respect, and funding for more projects that stimulate their economy and influence. Thirty-one countries are profiting in similar ways with inclusion in the program, so the benefits to endeavors like these are monumental for masses of people. These collaborations are simply an advantage to everyone, from the national to individual levels.
The fields that will advance from DUNE research, like precision engineering and cryogenics, directly impact the public in ways that simple knowledge of neutrino behavior fails. Precision engineering impacts everything from transportation to prosthetics–basically everything made by machines. These things make life better for mankind. And cryogenics expands across a variety of fields from physical therapy to the preservation of bio material.
Advancements in these fields provide doctors with better treatment for their patients–the highest priority for an ethical doctor. In advancing these fields, science also advances humanity. Unfortunately, the program won’t be up and running until 2024. Still, the project promises hope as scientists ask which questions they want answered before planning how to answer them. Even with the uncertainty of it all, the knowledge gained will progress our understanding of the forces that can be utilized for the improvement of human life. It’s a great time to be a scientist.
It’s exciting to see scholarly projects like these being pursued with great enthusiasm. The understanding of matter–and the progress that will result from it–guarantee a stronger foundation for humanity and the fields that contribute to its quality of life. From knowledge to real world application, this venture promises much for many. And as our country collaborates with others, the scientific community ushers in a unique peace during a time of such conflict. Hopefully, this agreement marks the beginning of many collaborations between countries.
***
Lauren Bartlett lives in Colorado Springs with her two cats, Belle and Sasha, and is a self-proclaimed expert on Mexican food. She is studying to become a doctor and paints with water media in what little free time is available.
