ASK A PROF
Produced by the FSU Office of Research
Q: How close are researchers to proving the unified field theory?
-- David Murphy (86 Eng), Tallahassee
A: Dr. Bernd A. Berg, FSU prof. of physics replies: Historically,
the first unified field theory was electrodynamics. In the last century
this theory unified the theory of light with that of electric phenomena.
Within its range of applicability the theory can be considered as
"proven"
in the sense that its prediction are consistent with plenty of experimental
results. More recently, the unified field theory of weak and electromagnetic
interactions was developed. Again, one considers this theory as
"proven:"
for the range where it makes predictions. The 1979 physics Nobel Prize was
awarded for this theory, and the 1984 Nobel for crucial experimental
confirmations.
One may now ask the question: "Is there a unified field theory of
everything
and how close are we to its experimental verification? " The answer
is that it is controversial whether such a theory may exist at all. If
discovered,
and confirmed, it would virtually bring fundamental research to a halt.
Many scientists doubt that this will ever happen. However, more modestly
there are a number of attempts to unify the mentioned theory of weak and
electromagnetic interactions with the theory of strong interactions and,
possibly, gravity. I think at least the first part of this endeavor has
good chances of becoming one of the major physics achievements of the next
century.
Q: Is buying organic food a good investment in my health or am I just
wasting
money?
-- Katherine Beasley, ('85, MS, Social Work), Tarpon Springs
A: Dr. Natholyn Harris, FSU prof. of food science, replies: You
are probably wasting your money by paying higher prices for organically
grown foods than for conventionally grown foods. The claim that organic
foods or pesticide-free foods are superior in quality or nutrient content
or that they are more healthful than conventionally produced foods has not
been scientifically established. Most con-ventionally grown foods contain
no detectable pesticide residues and of the foods that contain detectable
levels it is rare to find any with residue concentrations above acceptable
levels. Organically grown foods are usually more expensive, available in
less variety than con-ventionally grown foods, and may be contaminated with
pathogens if fertilized with improperly treated compost or fresh, untreated
animal manure. The only justification for the purchase of organically grown
foods would be to promote the agronomic and environmental benefits associated
with organic farming.