Article of the Week 24: Can we finally see Schrödinger's Cat? (Image)

The source for this week's image comes from the article Single molecule's electric charges seen in first image from the BBC. This x-shaped image is actually a photo of a molecule and the electrons surrounding it. This image, though seeming simple is an example of a breakthrough in research. Historically, electrons could not reliably be seen; one could not see them without a light and a light would change the position of the electron. Thus, observation changes the object itself (hence the cat reference in the title). This image shows not only the position of electrons, but also how electrons interact in a molecule. That is where this image becomes really exciting. It is one of the first images that will give insight to how molecules interact with each other on a quantum level. This image will revolutionize science because it will allow a greater understanding of how the molecular properties of materials work. The application? Nano-science. Armed with this knowledge, scientists can gain a greater ability to combat diseases such as cancer.

This image was displayed prominently in an article of about the same length as the picture itself. This really speaks to how much the image itself proves. Millions of data points themselves could not have provided such an impact on how successful this research has really become. These researchers know that others demand proof in a way that they can understand, and so imaging was used in order to convey their message to people who may not understand all of the scientific concepts behind such a discovery. Even without the science, the image has a beautifying quality.