Join CERN particle physicist Harry Cliff, author of 'How to Make an Apple Pie from Scratch,' as he dives into the quantum mysteries of the universe. The conversation reveals the enigma of why there's more matter than antimatter, exploring fascinating concepts like CP violation and the significance of quarks. Cliff also discusses the Large Hadron Collider's role in unraveling dark matter and the mysteries of antimatter, sparking a whimsical view on how particle physics connects to our everyday lives.

Melvyn Bragg and guests discuss an atomic particle that's become inseparable from modernity. JJ Thomson discovered the electron 125 years ago, so revealing that atoms, supposedly the smallest things, were made of even smaller things. He pictured them inside an atomic ball like a plum pudding, with others later identifying their place outside the nucleus - and it is their location on the outer limit that has helped scientists learn so much about electrons and with electrons. We can use electrons to reveal the secrets of other particles and, while electricity exists whether we understand electrons or not, the applications of electricity and electrons grow as our knowledge grows. Many questions, though, remain unanswered.With Victoria Martin Professor of Collider Physics at the University of EdinburghHarry Cliff Research Fellow in Particle Physics at the University of CambridgeAndFrank Close Professor Emeritus of Theoretical Physics and Fellow Emeritus at Exeter College at the University of OxfordProducer: Simon Tillotson

Andrew Pontzen, a physicist from University College London, and Harry Cliff, a CERN physicist, debate the necessity of CERN's ambitious new particle collider project, weighing its hefty price against potential scientific returns. Meanwhile, science reporter Ella Hubber showcases innovative motion capture technology at the University of Bath, revolutionizing how athletes analyze their movements for performance enhancement. They also touch on chimps' unexpected communication skills, highlighting parallels with human language evolution.

Harry Cliff, a renowned particle physicist at the University of Cambridge, shares his insights on the Large Hadron Collider and beauty quarks. He explains how the LHC accelerates particles to unveil the universe's fundamental forces. The conversation dives into the challenges of particle discovery and the evolution of particle physics over decades. Cliff also discusses the intriguing concept of supersymmetry and its implications for understanding the Higgs field. His passion for making complex ideas accessible shines through, engaging listeners in the mysteries of the cosmos.

Harry Cliff, an experimental physicist at CERN and author of "Space Oddities," joins to discuss how strange anomalies can spark groundbreaking discoveries in science. He delves into fascinating topics like the muon g-2 anomaly, neutrino research, and the mysteries of dark matter. Cliff emphasizes the crucial role of anomalies in shaping our understanding of the universe and explores the implications of observed phenomena such as the matter-antimatter asymmetry. Get ready for an eye-opening exploration of the unknown!