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Quantum Gravity Observed

Posted by chrisd on from the soon-you-will-lose-weight-fast dept.

Lawrence_Bird writes "AIP News is reporting the first observations of quantum gravitational states by researchers in Grenoble using a beam of ultra cold neutrons. This is an incredible observational achievement when you consider the energies involved - order of 1 pico electron volt (10^ -12eV). The full paper is in the 17 Jan Nature."

7 of 224 comments (clear)

  1. Yep by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 2, Funny

    incredible observational achievement

    I see...

  2. how on earth... by OxideBoy · · Score: 3, Funny

    ...did these people isolate a signal on the order of 10^-12 eV? My lock-in amplifier will only manage 10^-11.

  3. The implications are enormous... by base2_celtic · · Score: 4, Funny

    Being able to observe gravitational effects at such a small scale could be the key to unlocking the unification of our disparate scientific views of the universe.

    Imagine being able to manipulate all the forces, not just electro-magnetic. Gravity producing devices operating on electric principles?

    This is going to be fun!

    --
    Using the holy grail of OSes...
    1. Re:The implications are enormous... by FFFish · · Score: 5, Funny

      (It was only too late that they understood the gravity of the situation...)

      --

      --
      Don't like it? Respond with words, not karma.
  4. Basis for cartoon gravity by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 5, Funny

    So if I understand quantum gravity correctly, it is possible for a neutron to stand still for a while, and to suddenly start falling at 1.7 cm/sec? So the way Wile E. Coyote is falling off a cliff isn't completely *wrong*, it is in fact a kid's first introduction to quantum phenomena.

  5. Beam me up [Re:Impact] by snilloc · · Score: 2, Funny
    ... and of course, the non-existence of gravitons would be devastating for the Star Trek universe...

  6. Re: Quantum Gravity Observed by slickwillie · · Score: 2, Funny

    Forget about antigravity boot, warp travel, and the like. I think the most important discovery is that those ultra cold particles they are shooting are probably responisble for that icy-cold spot in my bed. Seems to happen at about 3:00AM PST, which is probably about the time they get around to firing up the equipment in Grenoble, after their espresso and pastries.