Is anyone else disturbed by the thought that they have no real idea how they did it, or what to do to contain it? It's like the Manhattan Project- poor Fermi was really freaked when the reaction actually took off, and was not at all sure they could contain it. Theoretically (at the time), the reaction could have kept on going until every atom here on earth and elsewhere was consumed, yet they still gave it a shot. I get the feeling the same mindset is at work here.

Wait! Which Dan Brown book is this again?

Well, at least if they do destroy the world - no one will be left to complain about them

Yes, but many truly great discoveries are often "accidents"
Velcro
Crazy Glue
Scotchgard
Brandy
Potato chips
Safety glass
X-Rays
Insulin
Viagra
LSD
Penicillin

And of course THE most important accidental discovery: Popsicles

I don't know for sure about the 'Z machine' in the article, but in general the technique used to hold super-duper-really-hot-ouch-ouch plasma is a magnetic bubble. The plasma is formed inside a sphere of superconducting magnets that force the plasma to essentially float in the center.

As for recording the temp. I'm going wtih €'s really big thermometer. :)

For me the interesting part of the article is: "Also, when the high temperature was achieved, the Z machine was releasing more energy than was originally put in". Now that rocks! If we can use it to power our mp3 players, DVD's, and big screens then I say we take the chance of a run away reaction that fries the atmosphere. I don't go outside that much anyway.

:eek: That was an accident? really? I was SURE that was on purpose.

We're going to have to scorch the sky once the solar-powered machines take over anyway.

from what I understand, the invention of vodka was also an accident. the original inventor was attempting to create a kerosine like fuel from potatoes....oddly enough the experiment failed and yet, he didnt seem to care. :D
(wives tale?)

At this link, you can find the explanation for The Popsicle, Velcro, Post-Its, Scotchgard, Safety Glass, Cellophane, Vulcanized Rubber, X-Rays, and Penicillin.

This link for Quinine, Smallpox vaccination, X-Rays (again), Allergy, Insulin, Pap Smear, and Penicillin again.

Viagra, LSD, Artificial Sweetners, Microwave ovens, Brandy, Silly Putty, and Potato chips were discussed here.

Liquid Paper was covered here.

Soda Water here.

There are several more links to be found here.

Didn't find anything on Vodka, but admittedly, I didn't search too hard.

Gotta be a wives tale. Kerosene is what, 19th century? Vodka itself is pre-renaissance, I believe. I know that the Ketel One distillery is pre-1700.

Why do I know these things?

And why am I out of vodka?