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Original air date:
10.24.07
Searching for a Theory of Everything
Sylvester James Gates, Jr. has been pioneering new territory throughout his career.
He began his groundbreaking work in 1977, when he earned his Ph.D. in the studies of elementary particle physics and quantum field theory at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). His was the very first doctoral dissertation to take on the topic of supersymmetry, a controversial theory that posits a marriage between the universe’s particles (e.g., electrons, quarks, protons, neutrons) and the forces that bind them (e.g., gravity, electromagnetism).
After MIT, Gates moved on to a fellowship at Harvard. From there, he accepted a post doctoral associateship at the California Institute of Technology. In 1991 Gates became the chairman of the physics department at
In 1994, he became the first recipient of the American Physical Society's Edward A. Bouchet Award, which recognizes a “distinguished minority physicist who has made significant contributions to physics research." In 1998 he was named the first John S. Toll Professor of Physics at the University of Maryland, making him the first African-American to hold an endowed chair in physics at a major U.S. research university.
In addition to co-authoring the book Superspace, or 1001 Lessons in Supersymmetry Gates is the author or co-author of more than 180 published research papers. He continues his work at the University of Maryland and is among an important coterie of theoretical physicists who are studying superstring theory, which attempts to explain all of the particles and fundamental forces of nature in one theory by modeling them as vibrations of tiny supersymmetric strings.
Gates is widely recognized for his ability to communicate the complex ideas at the forefront of theoretical physics to a general audience. During a PBS interview, he summed up his feelings about science this way, “trying to understand the most fundamental structure and issues for our universe—is a birthright for all of us. For me there is a personal joy in participating in that adventure. It belongs to everybody, just like great art and great music belongs to everybody. Great science belongs to everybody.”
Dr. Gates sat down with WIRED Science to explain just what’s so ‘super’ about superstring theory and why the complexities of theoretical physics should matter to all of us.
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10.24.07 6:10 PM PDT
deborah
I thought this was a cool segment. Dr. Gates is a little quirky, but not the typical egghead scientist. He is obviously skilled at bringing science to the masses. Thanks for the interview.
10.24.07 10:30 PM PDT
Zia Shields
What a fabulous segment. James Gates was so delightful in the way he spoke about himself and the science he was explaining. I was so enthralled as to come to this site tonight and send it on to two scientist physicist friends. Thank you. Looking forward to more.
10.24.07 11:05 PM PDT
Jerry
Yes, Gates was articulate and entertaining, and that was a good point he made about Heinrich Hertz. The theory of electromagnetism (Maxwell) has many practical applications, visible all around us nowadays, because it makes predictions.
But superstring theory does not seem to have made any testable predictions, and by its nature perhaps never will. Also it has not reached the status of a single, uniquely defined theory. For these reasons, some very technically competent people have questioned whether SST is really a physical theory, rather than a (not very deep) branch of pure mathematics.
See the recent books written (separately) by Lee Smolin (former string theorist) and Peter Woit (mathematician at Columbia U).
10.25.07 9:47 AM PDT
M RUSHING
Starship Dreamer
Particle Gleaner
Seeing Beyond the Glass Darkly
Speaking To Us All
Dr Gates Stands Tall
On Our Way to Cosmic Enlightenment
10.25.07 3:36 PM PDT
Lee O. Cherry
I tried to view the Jim Gates video, but was unsuccessful. What's up?
10.29.07 1:14 PM PDT
bob
this guy and his string theory buddys are going to destroy our universe
10.31.07 8:35 PM PDT
Randomsight
I think it would be great to watch Jim Gates and Brian Greene discuss M-Theory and where the 11 dimensions of time and space actually are and what their shapes are, not just SST. I believe this was Dr Greene's doctoral thesis.
11.26.07 1:23 PM PST
glird
You say,
<The bosons spin at a different rate from the fermions, and that explains the different behaviors that they have. >
In what way does a different rate of spin "explain" what keeps electrons and protons in their positions in an atom?
You say,
<an electron would sort of be like a little spinning basketball, and it would spin at a certain rate. >
That is the present theory, and it is incorrect.
An electron moves in an orbital path, which appears to be a "spin" only to huge outside observers. When you realize this, and study Planck's 1900 paper, it explains exact;y what a quantum of action physically is.
If interested, please contact me at glird@aol.com
12.13.07 6:10 PM PST
Patrick Nwokolo
I saw Dr. Gates, the first time ever, on this segment of Wired Science. He spoke with such clarity that I came away excited about science - again. I especially liked how he used the four equations (radio communications) to explain why not having an immediate application should not dissuade pursuit of matters we do not understand.
My thanks to Wired Science.
1.15.08 9:13 AM PST
Roderick Jones
Dr. Gates, I like your style. Would you please answer the following. If the mass of entire galaxy spin a given rate what would be it's projected magnetic force? If such a force were to intersect the big ball a plasma we call our sun at whch time will be ready to change its magnetic field in 2012. What is the probability that this could trigger a carona mass ejection (CME),and could it possibly
impact earth during the time of precession aroud 12/21/2012.
9.27.08 3:51 PM PDT
L3X1V0R3
I was enthralled by Dr. Gates interview....his hair was simply hypnotic. It didn't move at all. How in the world can one apply combed steel wool with such symmetry to their head like that? It was a perfect hair helmet. Sure, this guy is really smart, but didn't he see Spaceballs? Nice speech lord helmet.
10.29.08 7:15 AM PDT
john
i saw his interview and found it to be very interesting. i know nothing of his theories, but i'd like him to keep on studying them they sound quite interesting.
2.25.09 5:17 AM PST
cornilius corn
james gates is awsome
2.25.09 5:17 AM PST
jamal jones
he is a great scientist
8.28.09 2:40 PM PDT
Jake Snake
I liked the segment but man his hair is in itself a topic. He looks like twiki from buck rogers.
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