Science has always been a double-edged sword, with the potential to both heal and destroy. This is never more apparent than in the new documentary ‘Strange Matters,’ which delves into the world of nuclear science and the potential risks it poses to humanity.
The film highlights the groundbreaking discovery of strange matter at the Brookhaven National Laboratory in 2014, a quark liquid that existed billions of years ago and is thought to have played a key role in the Big Bang. When properly manipulated, this liquid quark serves as the most explosive element in the known universe and can consume and destroy all planetary mass.
The film raises important ethical questions about the responsibility of scientists and the industry in advancing technology that carries the such potential for devastation. Spokespersons for the industry downplay these risks by appealing to the public’s insatiable appetite for innovation, but as Otto Rossler, one of the founders of Chaos Theory and a contributor to the film states, “Science sometimes is dangerous to sustainability.”
Beyond science, the film also delves into the human aspect of these discoveries, highlighting the personal struggles and moral dilemmas faced by the scientists involved. The film is able to present dense scientific data in a clear and easily digestible manner, making it accessible to a wide audience.
Overall, ‘Strange Matters’ is a thought-provoking and beautifully produced film that raises important questions about the role of science in society and the responsibility of scientists to consider the potential consequences of their work.