Charming Frontier. Science - A Look Back in 2006

Author: Yang Xujie, Ge Qiufang, Qu Guobin
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2006-05-01
Features: The Next Einstein and N Scientific Challenges
On the evening of April 18, 2005 local time, a beam of light signal was sent from Princeton, USA, and traveled around the world within 24 hours through submarine fiber optic cables, eventually returning to the United States. This light signal first landed in Shanghai, then split into southern and northern routes to reach 34 cities across China. This innovative event was named "Physics Illuminates the World" as a tribute to the scientific giant Albert Einstein. April 18, 2005, marked the 50th anniversary of Einstein's death, and Princeton was where he had worked during his lifetime. Einstein was a symbol of the 20th-century scientific and cultural development of humanity. He was called "the most creative intellect in human history." In 1905, Einstein published five papers covering three major fields—photoelectric effect, Brownian motion, and special relativity—which completely transformed traditional physics and laid the foundation for many technologies that have benefited future generations. At that time, he was only 26 years old, working as a clerk at the patent office in Bern, Switzerland, and was not yet well-known. For this reason, 1905 is known as the "Miracle Year" in the history of science.
To commemorate the 100th anniversary of Einstein's groundbreaking discoveries, the United Nations General Assembly passed a resolution specifically declaring 2005 as the "International Year of Physics." Germany, Einstein's birthplace, also designated 2005 as the "Year of Einstein." In 2005, countries around the world held various commemorative events for Einstein. Key topics of discussion in these events included how to attract societal attention to fundamental research in physics and other fields, effectively inspire interest in natural sciences among the younger generation, and create a better environment for the growth of creative talents. Some even called for "finding the next Einstein." The expectation of an Einstein-like scientific giant reflects the current societal demand for creative and innovative talents. In the 21st century, a series of challenges in science, economics, and social development can only be solved through the creative efforts of humanity. It is entirely possible for a second Einstein to emerge in the new century, and many scientists hold this view. These scientists believe that physics still has many urgent problems that need to be solved. With the advancement of experimental conditions, new physics theories that surpass Einstein's may emerge. Listing the remaining challenges at the forefront of science was quite fashionable in 2005. Prominent scientists, authoritative academic journals, and popular science magazines each presented their own versions.
At the Lindau Nobel Science Award Forum in Germany, David Gross, the 2004 Nobel Physics Prize winner from the United States, identified 25 problems that would guide the future development of physics. These problems involve relativity, quantum mechanics, life sciences, and more, ranging from microscopic particles to the entire universe, from computer science to human consciousness. In July, the U.S. journal Science listed 125 questions that scientists have yet to answer well, and then narrowed them down to the following 25 most significant ones:
- What is the universe made of?
- Are we alone in the universe?
- How does the Earth's interior work?
- How hot will the Earth's greenhouse become?
- Can the laws of physics be unified?
- Are there deeper principles beyond quantum uncertainty and non-locality?
- How far can we push chemical self-assembly?
- What is the limit of traditional computing?
- What is the biological basis of consciousness?
- What controls organ regeneration?
- How can a skin cell become a neuron?
- How does a somatic cell turn into a whole plant?
- How and where did life originate?
- What determines species diversity?
- How did cooperative behavior evolve?
- How can we gain insights from vast amounts of biological data?
- Why do humans have so few genes?
- To what extent are genetic differences and individual health correlated?
- How much can human lifespan be extended?
- What genetic differences make us uniquely human?
- How is memory accessed?
- Can we selectively turn off some immune responses?
- Is there a viable HIV vaccine?
- What can replace cheap oil and when?
- Is Malthus (population theory) still wrong?
Additionally, the October 2005 issue of the U.S. popular science magazine Discover joined in, listing 25 cutting-edge research topics in fields such as planets, climate, brains, microelectronics, materials, gravity, nanotechnology, genomics, and energy that may see breakthroughs in the near future.
Humanity has entered the 21st century, but there are still many mysteries about the universe, the Earth, the microscopic world, and life itself that remain to be uncovered. Many of the challenges currently facing the scientific community are long-standing "hard nuts" that require unconventional thinking to solve. Thus, the call to "find the second Einstein" is not hard to understand. However, scientific research is an ongoing process of posing questions and seeking answers—a form of "intellectual gymnastics." This is also why the frontiers of science remain so captivating.