Frank Wilczek

Clifford V. Johnson

"In this graphic book/novel, readers eavesdrop on conversations about contemporary science and learn about how scientists uncover the secrets of the universe. Topics in the book range from black holes, to the multiverse, to string theory, to food science. The book is structured as a set of 9 conversations in 11 chapters. The people in the conversations include non-experts and experts in physics, both adults and children, both male and female. These characters are fictional. The locations are in cities around the world, in cafes, train stations, on the street, buses, museums, libraries. The book is, uniquely for this subject matter, a fully graphic book. A graphic novel, but NOT science fiction. The science is real, and often concerns research topics that have been highlighted in general-interest media outlets"--

Conversations about the Nature of the Universe

The Dialogues

D-Branes

D-branes represent a key theoretical tool in the understanding of strongly coupled superstring theory and M-theory. They have led to many striking discoveries, including the precise microphysics underlying the thermodynamic behaviour of certain black holes, and remarkable holographic dualities between large-N gauge theories and gravity. This book provides a self-contained introduction to the technology of D-branes, presenting the recent developments and ideas in a pedagogical manner. It is suitable for use as a textbook in graduate courses on modern string theory and theoretical particle physics, and will also be an indispensable reference for seasoned practitioners. The introductory material is developed by first starting with the main features of string theory needed to get rapidly to grips with D-branes, uncovering further aspects while actually working with D-branes. Many advanced applications are covered, with discussions of open problems which could form the basis for other avenues of research.

Ogni giorno discutiamo di politica, di sport o dell’ultima serie tv, ma è raro che la scienza trovi posto tra gli argomenti di conversazione. Clifford Johnson è convinto che dovremmo parlarne di più, e che le riflessioni di natura scientifica non andrebbero lasciate esclusivamente agli esperti. I suoi Dialoghi sono una serie di undici conversazioni sulla scienza tra uomini, donne, bambini, esperti e profani. Due ragazzi, fratello e sorella, si interrogano per esempio sulle proprietà della materia partendo da un chicco di riso. Su un treno (un omaggio all’esperimento mentale per eccellenza della relatività ristretta?) due passeggeri discutono di buchi neri, immortalità e religione. La forma della graphic novel (le illustrazioni sono opera dello stesso Johnson, che per realizzare il progetto ha dedicato molti mesi a perfezionare le proprie doti di disegnatore) aggiunge alle conversazioni la vividezza delle immagini: un solo disegno può spiegare meglio di tante parole, soprattutto in fisica. Un libro originale che ci stimola a essere curiosi e interrogarci sulla natura dell’Universo.

Clifford V. Johnson

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