Physicist Frank Close Explains Particle Radiation and Human Breathing

Physicist Frank Close said the nature of particle physics and radiation was the focus of a recent interview with New Scientist.

The discussion addresses common misconceptions about the particles that surround humans. Understanding these interactions helps clarify why the constant influx of cosmic and atmospheric particles does not result in immediate biological damage.

Close said the mechanisms allow humans to breathe without being harmed by radiation. While the atmosphere is filled with various particles, the specific interactions between these particles and human tissue do not cause the body to fry. The physics of these interactions ensures that the energy levels are not sufficient to cause widespread cellular destruction during the simple act of inhalation.

The conversation also touched upon broader milestones in the field of particle physics. Close said the discovery of the Higgs boson in 2012 ^[1] was a pivotal moment that helped scientists understand how particles acquire mass. This discovery provides the theoretical framework for understanding the stability of matter, and the forces that govern the universe.

By breaking down the complexities of subatomic behavior, Close said there is a difference between high-energy radiation and the background particles encountered in daily life. The interview emphasizes that while radiation is a potent force in specific environments, the natural conditions of Earth's atmosphere provide a stable environment for biological life. The ability to breathe without radiation burns is a result of the specific energy thresholds of the particles present in the air.