The impact of the LHC on society and physics

Al Jazeera English : The Large Hadron Collider ,one of the most expensive experiments in history, started working this week . Al Jazeera English takes a look at the LHC, what it is that scientists are looking for, and whether there are tangible benefits from such an experiment. Interviewees include CERN physicist Jonathan Butterworth , New Scientist‘s Valerie Jamieson , and biochemist Otto Rossler , who is concerned about the risks associated with running the LHC. "[Black hole] risks associated with the LHC are frankly nonsense,” says Butterworth, “and people should stop scaring the public.” Jamieson talks about what impact the LHC will have on the future of physics.In today’s Wall Street Journal , Michio Kaku points out the positive impact the LHC will have on Europe in terms of developing new technology and ideas. Kaku states that the advantages could have been in the US if the Superconducting Super Collider had been built. He concludes, “I extend my congratulations to the Europeans; the LHC is their well-earned prize. I only hope that US policy makers are paying close attention to Geneva.”