The Math Behind the Physics Behind the Universe

[n2doc]

Shing-Tung Yau explains how he discovered the hidden dimensions of string theory.
by Pamela Weintraub; photography by Shannon Taggart
From the June 2010 issue; published online April 27, 2010




Shing-Tung Yau is a force of nature. He is best known for conceiving the math behind string theory—which holds that, at the deepest level of reality, our universe is built out of 10-dimensional, subatomic vibrating strings. But Yau’s genius runs much deeper and wider: He has also spawned the modern synergy between geometry and physics, championed unprecedented teamwork in mathematics, and helped foster an intellectual rebirth in China.

Despite growing up in grinding poverty on a Hong Kong farm, Yau made his way to the University of California at Berkeley, where he studied with Chinese geometer Shiing-Shen Chern and the master of nonlinear equations, Charles Morrey. Then at age 29 Yau proved the Calabi conjecture, which posits that six-dimensional spaces lie hidden beneath the reality we perceive. These unseen dimensions lend rigor to string theory by supplementing the four dimensions—three of space and one of time—described in Einstein’s general relativity.

Since then Yau has held positions at the Institute for Advanced Study, Stanford University, and Harvard (where he currently chairs the math department), training two generations of grad students and embarking on far-flung collaborations that address topics ranging from the nature of dark matter to the formation of black holes. He has won the Fields Medal, a MacArthur Fellowship, and the Wolf Prize.

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http://discovermagazine.com/2010/jun/27-discover-interview-math-behind-physics-behind-universe

[DrDan]

1. China can be credited with the mathematics behind string theory while

more than half our population denies evolution . . . .

Could we be in trouble?

[UndertheOcean]

2. What an Idiotic statement , for several reasons .

First he honed his natural aptitude at a US Graduate School. Also people like him are 0.00000000001% of the population if not less.

A valuable comparison between US and Chinese society is one that compares the average , rather than the peaks.

[DrDan]

4. I understand that - I was just making a point using an exageration

geez - get a grip

[Angry Dragon]

5. "What an Idiotic statement "

This person may well be an idiot but at least take the time to find out..........

perhaps they just mis-spoke or the words got tangled up in their mind.

Or perhaps they had to learn from texas high school books

[DrDan]

6. or worse yet - attended Central Florida schools

[Angry Dragon]

7. I hope you did not attend either place

[DrDan]

8. actually correct . . . thank goodness

[Angry Dragon]

3. Every country has great people and great minds

It is the people in power that feel threatened, they feel that it will take some of their power away so it is important to keep the masses ignorant.

An uneducated populace is the gateway to power for the few.

[nosmokes]

9. Great article-K&R

thanks for posting

[girl gone mad]

10. Too many problems with string theory..

I sincerely doubt it's the "Math Behind the Physics Behind the Universe" when theorists have yet to even present a testable prediction.

There are far better alternatives that get much less media hype. Doubt these guys will ever admit they've wasted decades of their life, though.

[caraher]

11. The Math Behind The Math Behind the Physics-Related Speculation

More accurate, but less punchy ;)