The "W-Boson"

[George K]

Just more to show that we really don't know what things are made of.

https://www.bbc.com/news/science-environment-60993523

The measurement is the first conclusive experimental result that is at odds with one of the most important and successful theories of modern physics.
The team has found that the particle, known as a W boson, is more massive than the theories predicted.
The result has been described as "shocking" by Prof David Toback, who is the project co-spokesperson.
The discovery could lead to the development of a new, more complete theory of how the Universe works.
"If the results are verified by other experiments, the world is going to look different." he told BBC News. "There has to be a paradigm shift. The hope is that maybe this result is going to be the one that breaks the dam.

"The famous astronomer Carl Sagan said 'extraordinary claims require extraordinary evidence'. We believe we have that."

[Horace]

In fairness, we seem to see one of these particle physics breakthroughs every few years. Complete with handwavy claims that everything will change. But without any hint about what could conceivably change, other than text books.

[George K]

@Horace said in The "W-Boson":

But without any hint about what could conceivably change, other than text books.

At least for the next 200-300 years.

[Copper]

If you want to keep your funding, you better find a shocking paradigm shift. An aha moment isn't enough anymore.

[Doctor Phibes]

@Horace said in The "W-Boson":

In fairness, we seem to see one of these particle physics breakthroughs every few years. Complete with handwavy claims that everything will change. But without any hint about what could conceivably change, other than text books.

The new particle is going to be used to successfully demonstrate the wisdom behind leftist pop culture.

You're gonna look so freaking dumb!

[Klaus]

@Horace said in The "W-Boson":

In fairness, we seem to see one of these particle physics breakthroughs every few years. Complete with handwavy claims that everything will change. But without any hint about what could conceivably change, other than text books.

Sometimes the effect can be indirect.

The WWW was originally developed, in a sense, as a tool to share particle physics results.

Also, without particle physics, we wouldn't have CT scans, MRI, PET, proton therapy, accelerator-based cancer treatment, ... .

I do understand that there are good reasons to be critical of huge multi-billion dollar physics experiments, though.

[George K]

@Klaus said in The "W-Boson":

Also, without particle physics, we wouldn't have CT scans, MRI, PET, proton therapy, accelerator-based cancer treatment,

And years ago, without understanding (sort of) relativity, televisions would be impossible. That's because the electron beam which is scanning the screen takes just that much longer to go to the edges than it does to the center of the screen.