STRING THEORY PAPERS "HEAT UP" SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH

The most highly cited theory in current physics moves toward a "standard model" of the universe

 

Philadelphia, PA USA-London UK - Aug. 22, 2005 —

As the focus of several highly-cited scientific papers, including the most-cited paper published in the last two years, string theory is the “hottest” topic in recent science. This, according to the July/August issue of Science Watch—the bi-monthly newsletter published by Thomson Scientific, a business of The Thomson Corporation.

String theory asserts a physical model of the universe built upon one-dimensional “strings.” String theorists believe that vibrations along these strings account for what have previously been deemed “particles.”

“String theory is moving physicists towards a usable theory of quantum gravity,” said Dr. Simon Mitton, who covers physics for Science Watch. “Because we lack an understanding of quantum gravity, we don’t know much about the properties of the earliest universe. Many scientists feel string theory may help us assemble a ‘theory of everything’ – a comprehensive, scientific framework.”

The three “hottest” papers in Physics all further the string theory. In addition, the most highly-cited paper in science over the last 18 months, “First-year Wilkinson Microwave Anisotropy Probe (WMAP) observations: Determination of cosmological parameters,” by D.N. Spergel, et al., offers new insight into the topic by outlining precise cosmological parameters and furthering the ’standard universe model.’ This paper was cited 194 times during January and February 2005.

The second- and third-Hottest Papers in Physics are: “First-year Wilkinson Microwave Anistropy Probe (WMAP) observations: Preliminary maps and basic results” by C.L. Bennett, et al. (184 citations during January and February 2005), and “de Sitter vacua in string theory” by S. Kachru, et al. (91 citations during January and February 2005).

The Thomson Scientific Hot Papers Database identifies a published work as a Hot Paper if it has achieved a rate of citations in scientific journals that is markedly higher than papers of comparable type and age. Only “non-review” articles—those presenting original research—are considered. While often highly cited, papers that review or summarize existing research are not included in the rankings.

By tracking “hot papers” by their fields of study and topics, Thomson experts can identify emerging theories and patterns of thought.

Also ranked in the July/August Science Watch are the hottest articles in medicine, chemistry and biology. For the list of Thomson Scientific “Hot Papers,” or for more information about string theory’s Hot Papers, please contact Rodney Yancey at (+1) 215-386-6362 or rodney.yancey@thomson.com.


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