Is a Universal Cancer Cure Possible?

  • Thread starter Orodruin
  • Start date
In summary, theoretical physicist Joseph Polchinski, known for his contributions to string theory and authoring textbooks, has passed away at the age of 63 after a battle with cancer. His autobiographical notes, "Memories of a Theoretical Physicist", were a fascinating read. Polchinski's death is a reminder that cancer affects everyone, regardless of status or profession. His legacy will live on through his work and in the memories of those who knew him.
  • #1
Orodruin
Staff Emeritus
Science Advisor
Homework Helper
Insights Author
Gold Member
21,544
12,712
Sadly, theoretical physicist Joseph Polchinski has passed away at 63 after a longer struggle with cancer. Among many other contributions, Polchinski may be best known to students as the author of a series of textbooks on string theory.
 
  • Like
Likes atyy
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
  • Like
Likes atyy
  • #3
Someone cure cancer please!
 
  • Like
Likes davenn
  • #5
This is very sad. I knew Joe as an undergraduate at Caltech. We were not close, but I remember him. He was truly gifted.
 
  • #6
Greg Bernhardt said:
Someone cure cancer please!
My grandfather passed away after being defeated in maxillofacial cancer. His last days were really pathetic, too pathetic for me to write here.

Cancer doesn't discriminate between the rich and the poor, the scientist and the common man. Even if a person has passed away, his soul shall always be in this universe, as the soul cannot be burnt in fire, dried in air or wetted by water. Joseph Polchinski shall be alive in our memories forever.
 
  • Like
Likes atyy

1. Who was Joseph Polchinski?

Joseph Polchinski was an American theoretical physicist and professor at the University of California, Santa Barbara. He was known for his significant contributions to string theory and quantum gravity.

2. How did Joseph Polchinski die?

Joseph Polchinski passed away on February 2, 2018, at the age of 63 from complications related to amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), also known as Lou Gehrig's disease.

3. What are some of Joseph Polchinski's major accomplishments in the field of science?

Joseph Polchinski made several groundbreaking contributions to theoretical physics, including the discovery of the D-brane, which helped advance string theory. He was also known for his work on black holes and quantum gravity.

4. How did Joseph Polchinski's death impact the scientific community?

Joseph Polchinski's death was a significant loss for the scientific community, particularly in the field of theoretical physics. He was highly respected and admired for his brilliant mind and contributions to the field.

5. What is Joseph Polchinski's legacy in the world of science?

Joseph Polchinski's legacy in the world of science is immense. His work has greatly influenced our understanding of fundamental physics, and his contributions to string theory and quantum gravity will continue to be studied and built upon by future generations of scientists.

Similar threads

  • General Discussion
Replies
1
Views
1K
Replies
2
Views
1K
  • General Discussion
Replies
2
Views
1K
Replies
14
Views
927
Replies
23
Views
840
  • STEM Academic Advising
Replies
17
Views
3K
  • STEM Academic Advising
Replies
8
Views
981
  • Quantum Interpretations and Foundations
Replies
1
Views
824
  • STEM Academic Advising
Replies
17
Views
2K
  • STEM Educators and Teaching
Replies
4
Views
2K
Back
Top