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Two scientists’ debate over whether the universe had a beginning – and how the elements were created

22 Dec 2021 Laura Hiscott
Taken from the December 2021 issue of Physics World where it first appeared under the headline "A tale of two scientists". Members of the Institute of Physics can enjoy the full issue via the Physics World app.

Laura Hiscott reviews Flashes of Creation: George Gamow, Fred Hoyle, and the Great Big Bang Debate by Paul Halpern

flash of light
Creative destruction Fred Hoyle showed how carbon-12 and heavier nuclei can be formed from lighter ones inside red giant stars, then released through stellar explosions. (Courtesy: iStock/DKosig)
Scientists get stuff wrong all the time. Mistakes are an essential part of the pursuit of knowledge,

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Laura Hiscott is the reviews and careers editor of Physics World
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