Frank Close

In this discussion, Frank Close, a theoretical physicist, Steven Bramwell, a condensed matter physics expert, and Jess Wade, a materials science researcher, dive into the life of Lise Meitner, a groundbreaking female physicist. They explore her pivotal role in discovering nuclear fission while facing significant societal challenges. The conversation highlights her collaborations with Otto Hahn and her moral stance against the military use of her discoveries. They also examine the impacts of political persecution on her career and her eventual, albeit delayed, recognition in the scientific community.

Join Victoria Martin, a collider physics expert from the University of Edinburgh, Harry Cliff, a particle physics research fellow from Cambridge, and Frank Close, an emeritus professor of theoretical physics at Oxford, as they dive into the fascinating world of electrons. Discover the historical evolution of atomic theory, from Thomson's 'plum pudding' model to the modern understanding of atomic structure. The trio explores the dual nature of electrons, their pivotal role in collider physics, and the mysteries surrounding their size and interactions.

In this enlightening discussion, Frank Close, an expert on Klaus Fuchs and author of "Trinity," explores the controversial life of Fuchs, a pivotal figure in Cold War espionage. He delves into Fuchs' motivations for sharing nuclear secrets and the moral dilemmas faced by scientists in the Manhattan Project. Close debates whether Fuchs was a betrayer or a peacemaker, unveiling the intricate balance of loyalty and ethics in his dual allegiance. The conversation also touches on the legacy of espionage and its far-reaching consequences on global security.

In this enlightening discussion, physicists Bruce Cameron Reed and Frank Close, along with Cynthia Kelly of the Atomic Heritage Foundation, delve into the monumental Manhattan Project. They explore the urgency sparked by early nuclear fission discoveries and the fear of Nazi Germany's potential atomic bomb. Leadership from figures like Oppenheimer and Groves in Los Alamos is examined, alongside the ethical dilemmas faced by scientists. The catastrophic impact of the bombs dropped on Japan and the ongoing legacy of nuclear weaponry and disarmament efforts are also thoughtfully analyzed.

Researchers have developed a medical imaging technique which reveals where in the body HIV lies hidden, even when people have their infection well controlled by antiviral drugs. The team at the University of California, San Francisco hope this will lead to better treatments and even cures for HIV. As Timothy Henrich told us, they are also going to use the technique to investigate the notion that Long Covid is caused by the coronavirus persisting deep in the body's tissues.Also in the programme, Roland Pease reports from the vast particle accelerator in Switzerland where the famous Higgs particle was discovered ten years ago. The scientists there are preparing to begin experiments with an upgraded Large Hadron Collider to learn more about the particle and the fundamental nature of the Universe. Roland also talks to Frank Close, physicist and author of 'Elusive' - a new biography of Peter Higgs, a scientist as elusive as the particle named after him.Finally an international team of archaeologists have revised the ancient history of the chicken, with a new programme of radiocarbon dating and analysis of buried bird bones. Humanity's relationship with the bird began much more recently than some researchers have suggested. Naomi Sykes of Exeter University and Greger Larson of Oxford University tell Roland when, where and how the domestication began and how the birds spread from Southeast Asia to the rest of the world.Image: VRCPET body scan reveals HIV's hideouts Credit: Timothy Henrich / University of California, San FranciscoPresenter: Roland Pease Producer: Andrew Luck-Baker