The CERN article is a humorous April Fool's Day piece. It satirically reports the "discovery" of quantum entanglement between sheep, attributing their flocking behavior to this quantum phenomenon. The article uses pseudo-scientific jargon and fabricated quotes to maintain the joke, while subtly referencing real physics concepts like Bell's inequality and quantum superposition. Ultimately, the article's purpose is lighthearted entertainment, not a genuine scientific announcement.
In a groundbreaking, albeit humorous, publication purportedly emanating from the esteemed halls of CERN, researchers claim to have observed evidence suggesting the existence of quantum entanglement in a population of Ovis aries, commonly known as sheep. The article, presented with a veneer of scientific rigor, details an experiment involving the meticulous observation of sheep grazing in a pasture adjacent to the Large Hadron Collider (LHC). The researchers posit that fluctuations in the sheep's collective behavior, specifically synchronized head movements and seemingly coordinated changes in grazing patterns, cannot be adequately explained by classical physics. Instead, they propose the audacious hypothesis that these correlated actions are a manifestation of quantum entanglement, a phenomenon wherein two or more particles become linked in such a way that they share the same fate, regardless of the physical distance separating them.
The purported experiment hinges on the alleged detection of "subtle correlations" between the sheep's movements, which the researchers meticulously documented using high-precision GPS trackers attached to each animal. The authors contend that the observed synchronization of the sheep's head movements, specifically the simultaneous raising and lowering of their heads while grazing, exceeded the statistical probabilities expected by random chance. Furthermore, they suggest that these correlated actions persisted even when individual sheep were separated by considerable distances, seemingly defying classical explanations based on visual or auditory cues.
The researchers speculate that the strong magnetic fields generated by the LHC may play a role in inducing this purported entanglement. They hypothesize that the intense magnetic environment could influence the spin of the elementary particles within the sheep's brains, leading to the formation of entangled states across the flock. The authors admit that further research is necessary to fully understand the underlying mechanisms and solidify their claims. However, they emphasize the potential implications of their findings for our understanding of both quantum mechanics and animal behavior, suggesting that quantum entanglement could play a previously unrecognized role in the complex social dynamics of herd animals. Despite the article's scientific presentation, it is crucial to recognize its humorous nature and to approach its conclusions with appropriate skepticism.
Summary of Comments ( 15 )
https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=43545349
Hacker News users expressed significant skepticism about the linked article claiming quantum entanglement in sheep. Several commenters pointed out that the study measured correlations in sheep physiology, which could easily be explained by classical physics, like shared environmental factors. They argued that the article misrepresents or misunderstands the concept of quantum entanglement, and there's no evidence presented to suggest anything beyond classical correlations. Some users criticized the sensationalist headline and the poor quality of science reporting in general. A few commenters questioned the journal's credibility and the peer review process. Overall, the consensus was that the claim of quantum entanglement in sheep is unsubstantiated.
The Hacker News post titled "CERN scientists find evidence of quantum entanglement in sheep" (https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=43545349) has elicited several comments expressing skepticism and amusement, with a general theme of disbelief and playful mockery of the premise. No one appears to be taking the linked article seriously.
Several commenters immediately point out that the article is a joke, published on April 1st (April Fool's Day). They express a mixture of amusement and mild annoyance at having fallen for the prank, or at seeing it posted seriously.
One commenter sarcastically questions the methodology of the "study," asking about the control group of sheep not entangled and how they determined the baseline for "sheepness." This further emphasizes the perceived absurdity of the premise.
Another commenter humorously suggests a link to the concept of "sheeple," a derogatory term for people who are easily influenced and follow the crowd, implying that the article's joke plays on this existing concept.
Some comments express disappointment at the article being a joke, indicating they were genuinely intrigued by the title's seemingly groundbreaking claim. This highlights the surprising nature of the headline and its potential to pique interest even if ultimately false.
A few commenters engage in playful banter, continuing the joke by referencing other absurd hypothetical scenarios involving quantum mechanics and animals, such as Schrödinger's cat being entangled with a dog. This adds to the overall lighthearted and humorous tone of the comment section.
In summary, the comments on the Hacker News post overwhelmingly recognize the linked article as an April Fool's Day prank. They respond with a mixture of amusement, skepticism, and playful mockery, highlighting the absurdity of the premise and engaging in lighthearted jokes related to the concept of quantum entanglement and animals.