《归来仍是少年：杨振宁传》：林开亮著，张婷婷绘； 湖南教育出版社、中信出版社出版。 若干年以后，世人会怎样看待物理学家杨振宁和李政道关于宇称不守恒的工作呢？可以参考物理学家费 曼对16世纪数学家塔尔塔利亚发现三次方程求根公式的评论："这是欧洲数学最重要的进展，证明了现 代人可以做到古希腊人做不到的事情。在心理上的重大意义是，激发出信心，有助于文艺复兴运动兴 起，让欧洲人不再一味模仿古人。" 观念和原理的主要源泉"。杨先生的话，也让我想起物理学家伽利略，他曾说"大自然这本书是用数学语 言写成的"。 1953年3月14日，爱因斯坦74岁生日。生日宴会前，举行了一个简短的记者招待会。招待会上，爱因斯 坦收到一份问题清单，清单上的最后一个问题是："对于一个希望从事科学事业的学生，你要向他提出 怎样的建议呢？"爱因斯坦回答说："建议是很难有什么帮助的，只有榜样的激励支持，才能有所帮 助。" 杨振宁就是榜样。如他自己所说，他一生最重要的贡献，是帮助中国人改变了在科学上觉得自己不如人 的心理。 1986年，杨振宁接受记者采访时感慨："这七八年的变化，使我感受到一个新的时代就要来临，中国经 济的发展也必然会带来教育方式上的一 ...

Core Points - The article discusses the concept of dimensional reduction in physics, illustrating how theories evolve from higher dimensions to lower dimensions, ultimately affecting human understanding of the universe [1][2][3] Group 1: Dimensional Reduction Theories - The first layer is M-theory, which operates in 11 dimensions and reduces to string theory through various projections [4] - The second layer is string theory, which exists in 10 dimensions and includes 3D space, 1D time, and 6D Calabi-Yau manifolds, influencing the types of fundamental particles and physical constants in the universe [5][6] - The third layer is General Relativity, which reduces from string theory in low-energy limits and connects to the concept of gravitons [9] Group 2: Further Reductions - General Relativity can further reduce to Special Relativity under conditions of flat spacetime and no gravity [10] - Special Relativity reduces to Newtonian mechanics when objects are moving at speeds much lower than the speed of light [11] - Newtonian mechanics is described in a 3+1 dimensional framework, emphasizing the complexity of truly understanding it [12] Group 3: Quantum Field Theory - Quantum Field Theory, considered a fourth layer, is composed of Quantum Yang-Mills theory, Higgs mechanism, and fermionic field theory [14] - Under certain conditions, Quantum Field Theory can reduce to Quantum Electrodynamics [15] - Quantum Electrodynamics can further reduce to Maxwell's equations in low-energy and non-relativistic limits [16][17] Group 4: Historical Context and Challenges - The article highlights the historical significance of Yang-Mills theory and its revival after being initially dismissed, showcasing the complexity of applying classical theories to quantum contexts [18][19] - It also discusses the contributions of mathematicians like Hilbert and their impact on the development of theories in physics, contrasting them with physicists like Einstein [20][21]

Core Viewpoint - The article commemorates the life and contributions of Yang Zhenning, a renowned physicist and Nobel laureate, highlighting his impact on science and education in China, as well as his personal philosophy and dedication to his homeland [3][4][12]. Group 1: Life and Achievements - Yang Zhenning was born on October 1, 1922, in Hefei, Anhui, and showed exceptional mathematical talent from a young age, influenced by his father's academic background [5][6]. - He studied at National Southwestern Associated University during a tumultuous period, where he developed a deep appreciation for the works of prominent physicists like Einstein and Fermi [7]. - Yang Zhenning achieved significant academic milestones in the United States, including the development of the Yang-Mills theory in 1954 and the discovery of parity violation in 1956, which established him as a leading physicist [7][9]. Group 2: Contributions to China - After winning the Nobel Prize, Yang Zhenning returned to China in 1971, becoming a key figure in fostering academic exchanges and rebuilding the scientific community [10][11]. - He played a crucial role in establishing over 60 top physics laboratories in China, significantly enhancing the country's research capabilities and nurturing numerous scientific talents [12]. - Yang Zhenning's philanthropic efforts included founding the "Science Exploration Award" and supporting Chinese scholars to study abroad, demonstrating his commitment to advancing science in China [11][12]. Group 3: Personal Philosophy and Legacy - Yang Zhenning emphasized the importance of character and style in scientific work, believing that a scientist's personal qualities significantly influence their contributions [13][14]. - He maintained a rigorous work ethic well into his later years, dedicating time to teaching and research in fields like high-temperature superconductivity and quantum computing [14][16]. - His reflections on life and science reveal a deep appreciation for the mysteries of the universe and a humble acknowledgment of humanity's place within it [16].

Core Viewpoint - The discussion between Zhang Chaoyang and Xu Yihong highlights the historical development and unification of physics theories, emphasizing the importance of curiosity and creativity in advancing the field [1][3]. Group 1: Historical Milestones in Physics - 2025 marks significant anniversaries for key physics theories, including the 120th anniversary of special relativity and the 110th anniversary of general relativity, indicating major advancements in human understanding of nature [3]. - Newton unified the laws of mechanics for celestial and terrestrial bodies, while Maxwell completed the classical unification of electricity and magnetism [3]. - Einstein's contributions through special and general relativity revealed profound connections between spacetime and gravity, leading to a deeper understanding of the universe [3]. Group 2: Quantum Mechanics and Field Theory - Quantum mechanics, through Schrödinger's wave equation and Heisenberg's matrix mechanics, established a foundational framework for modern physics, culminating in the development of quantum field theory [4]. - Quantum field theory is recognized as one of the most powerful and successful theories in human history, accurately calculating atomic spectra and the electron magnetic moment [4]. Group 3: The Role of Serendipity in Theoretical Development - Important theoretical advancements often stem from existing theories that may not receive immediate attention, as illustrated by Maxwell's equations hinting at Lorentz symmetry [6][8]. - The development of new theories requires both intellectual insight and a degree of luck, as demonstrated by Einstein's timely corrections to his predictions regarding light bending [8]. Group 4: The Future of Physics and AI - Current AI capabilities are limited to processing vast amounts of data and cannot replicate human intuition in exploring physics, which remains reliant on human creativity and thought [9].

Group 1 - A research team from Vienna University of Technology and University of Vienna has visualized the "Terrell Effect" for the first time, which describes how fast-moving objects appear to rotate due to the varying light travel times from different parts of the object to the observer [1][2] - The study published in the latest issue of "Communications Physics" highlights that when a rocket moves at 90% of the speed of light, its length contracts by 2.3 times, demonstrating the phenomenon of length contraction known as Lorentz contraction [1] - The research team utilized a "time-space slow down" technique by using femtosecond laser pulses and ultra-precise time-gated cameras to effectively reduce the speed of light to 2 meters per second, allowing them to capture optical distortions of a cube and a sphere [2] Group 2 - The visualization of the "Terrell Effect" not only aids in understanding complex physical theories but also represents a successful intersection of art and science, showcasing the collaboration between artists and scientists [2] - The study indicates that the cube appears to rotate in the images captured, with its front edge becoming prominent while the back edge extends like a cape, while the sphere maintains its symmetrical shape but shows uneven light distribution on its surface [2]