Physicist tugs audience by strings

Those expecting a tedious physics lecture from world-renowned physicist, string-theorist and author Brian Greene may have been surprised Wednesday night.

Greene, a scientist on the forefront of a groundbreaking yet controversial theory, spoke to UB as the fall's last Distinguished Speaker about his work and how it may affect the very laws of science, but did so with a down-to-earth sense of humor.

String theory may provide the link between two previously incompatible major aspects of physics--Einstein's general theory of relativity and quantum mechanics--two theories that are essential in providing an understanding of what Greene calls "the fabric of the cosmos."

Greene explained Newton's Law of Gravity as well as its flaw-that nothing could be faster than light, but Newton claimed that gravity's effects were instant. Eventually Einstein came up with his theories about how gravity affected space, pulling in the "fabric" of space, therefore pulling objects closer to it.

"Right now, I am feeling gravity on my feet. You are feeling it somewhere else. But..." he said.

Greene also discussed quantum mechanics, the study of the particles that make up neutrinos, quarks and so on. These sub-particles are the components that make up what was previously thought of as the smallest parts of matter, the pieces that make up atoms: protons and neutrons.

He explained how quantum mechanics and the theory of relativity have not been able to coexist, nor have they been able to explain the very beginning stages of the widely popular big-bang theory-at least not until string theory arrived on the physics scene.

When something as cutting-edge and incredibly complex as a string theory is being discussed, many times people find much of it going over their head. That's one of the many reasons why Greene is so effective--he makes it all sound understandable.

"He definitely kept people captivated with a subject that in other cases could be very dry," said Evan Halstead, a first-year physics graduate student. "As a physicist, it was nice to see so many other people interested in what he had to say. Everyone commented on how funny and charismatic he was."

Many students said they found the lecture to be extremely entertaining, but some said the behind-the-scenes aspects of the night needed a little work.

"I'm a little worried to hit the play button. I don't know what's on the videotape that's been put in, and I hope no one here is offended," Greene joked.

Despite any technical errors--at one point, his video presentation didn't seem to be working--Greene captivated his audience and maintained their attention throughout the duration of his lecture.

"I was afraid he'd lose some of the non-science crowd, but I think he did a good job," said Mike Dziomba, a senior physics major.

He consistently used laughter to reach his audience, which held a variety of people, all of different ages and physics backgrounds.

In an interview with The Spectrum, Greene said he tries to make such intricate concepts easier to understand by taking away what most people find daunting.

"What I try to do is basically make use of the same kind of imagery that aids me in my own work," he said. "I kind of strip away all the mathematics."

Greene also discussed in his lecture the idea that string theory may be the unifying theory of the universe Einstein sought to find, even while on his deathbed.

The proposed theory that would answer all of the unknowns of the universe--and "close the book" of uncertainty for the physical understanding of the universe--might just be the string theory. Greene is the first to point out, though, that it is still a theory.

"It is at the moment an interesting and powerful set of ideas," he said. "String theory has not yet been proven. Perhaps in the next ten years if we're lucky, and that's if we're lucky."

When UB President John Simpson asked Greene, before his lecture, if he ever thought about venturing into science fiction, Greene explained that he was a fan, but tried to stick to science-fact.

"But some people claim my books are science-fiction," he joked.