I am a fan of scientific research. The prospect that one day scientists will find a cure for cancer and other diseases astounds me. The chance that science can unlock mysteries of the past is pretty amazing as well. At some point, though, we have to ask ourselves when the pursuit of knowledge pushes boundaries and potentially puts the entire
world at risk.

    I’m not sure when I originally heard about the Large Hadron Collider, but I remember how concerned I was before I got all the facts. I think most people would be a little uneasy after finding out this crazy proton smasher could cause a black hole that could destroy the earth.

    The machine is located 17 feet underground outside of Geneva, Switzerland and has the potential to create particles that may be similar to those that caused the big bang.

    My question: Why is this important or relevant in our world today?  

    As exciting as it would be to hold my breath waiting for the collider to reach its maximum speed, I have to say I wasn’t too upset that the project has been shut down until 2009.

    My best friend goes to Willamette University where people she works with had end-of-the-world parties when the machine was turned on. They were planning a final party for mid-October when the particles were set to reach their highest speed, but it has been postponed indefinitely.      

    This same friend and I, plus two others, had an in-depth discussion about this topic at my birthday dinner, that produced many laughs about alternate realities and Sheople, (half sheep, half people) that could potentially exist on the other side of black holes.

    Beyond all of the ridiculous and humorous aspects, my concerns were still present. That was until my friend asked me at what point scientists should draw the line and stop learning?

This is where I am torn. I don’t think we should ever stop learning, but I also don’t think scientists need to push God-like limits and put the entire world at risk.

Maybe it’s the perpetual worry factor I inherited, or maybe it’s a concern of how long this project had been in the making when it broke headlines. Either way, destroying the earth for the sake of knowledge defeats the purpose, don’t you think?