Nuclear physics is still today one of the important growing points of science, though the main interest has shifted from transmutation of elements to the high energy production of particles, which depends today on multi-billion dollar nuclear accelerator, of which the culmination is the giant and triumphantly successful CERN 28 billion volt accelerator. High energy physics is concerned with an understanding of the basic forces of the universe-the forces that hold protons and neutrons together in the nucleus. These forces are closely connected with the so called fundamental particles. It is our lack of understanding of the relation between mesons, the "strange particles" and the nuclear forces that still makes nuclear physics one of the most fascinating field of science.
We do not know whether our increasing knowledge of the nuclear underworld will ever have any practical implications, and we would probably say that it is unlikely. But then, Rutherford had a similarly negative view about practical applications of the nuclear physics of the 1930 's' and it was not until fission was discovered that physicists saw the possibilities of nuclear power.
An equally important growing point is our knowledge of molecular biology, in particular our knowledge of the structure of the nucleic acids, DNA and RNA, which carry information needed for transmission of genetic characteristics and for the manufacture of protein molecules, especially the important enzymes that control the chemical factory of the human body. The outstanding development is the Crick-Wetson model of the DNA giant molecule as a double helix containing over a million turns, with the two strands connected by four bases like rungs of a ladder.
The sequence of the four bases is believed to carry the genetic code-our destinies written in a four letter alphabet in a very long scroll carrying millions of "hits" of information. The truth or otherwise of this hypothesis is now engaging the attention of scientists all over the world, and it seems already certain that specific mutations can be correlated with changes in pairs of bases.
The significance of these studies on the boundary of the physical and biological sciences may be more important in the future world than our studies of the physical sciences.
In comparison with such fascinating fields, studies of world embracing sciences such as meteorology, geophysics, and oceanography have been comparatively neglected. Our studies of the way radioactive materials descend from the stratosphere to the troposphere show how little we know about the motion of air masses and the major circulation processes of the atmosphere. Our studies of could structure and the possible practical application of rain making which are now being systematically explored in Australia, are in an equally primeval state.
Research work on oceanography is now being substantially increased whilst the importance of earth science was shown by the spectacular earthquake disaster in Chile. These subjects seem to be particularly ripe for international collaborations and new states can make an important contribution to their study.
We do not know whether our increasing knowledge of the nuclear underworld will ever have any practical implications, and we would probably say that it is unlikely. But then, Rutherford had a similarly negative view about practical applications of the nuclear physics of the 1930 's' and it was not until fission was discovered that physicists saw the possibilities of nuclear power.
An equally important growing point is our knowledge of molecular biology, in particular our knowledge of the structure of the nucleic acids, DNA and RNA, which carry information needed for transmission of genetic characteristics and for the manufacture of protein molecules, especially the important enzymes that control the chemical factory of the human body. The outstanding development is the Crick-Wetson model of the DNA giant molecule as a double helix containing over a million turns, with the two strands connected by four bases like rungs of a ladder.
The sequence of the four bases is believed to carry the genetic code-our destinies written in a four letter alphabet in a very long scroll carrying millions of "hits" of information. The truth or otherwise of this hypothesis is now engaging the attention of scientists all over the world, and it seems already certain that specific mutations can be correlated with changes in pairs of bases.
The significance of these studies on the boundary of the physical and biological sciences may be more important in the future world than our studies of the physical sciences.
In comparison with such fascinating fields, studies of world embracing sciences such as meteorology, geophysics, and oceanography have been comparatively neglected. Our studies of the way radioactive materials descend from the stratosphere to the troposphere show how little we know about the motion of air masses and the major circulation processes of the atmosphere. Our studies of could structure and the possible practical application of rain making which are now being systematically explored in Australia, are in an equally primeval state.
Research work on oceanography is now being substantially increased whilst the importance of earth science was shown by the spectacular earthquake disaster in Chile. These subjects seem to be particularly ripe for international collaborations and new states can make an important contribution to their study.
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