ivy@ihuxt.UUCP (JJ Ivy) (10/23/84)
Physicists have been known to ask whether we live in a matter-universe, moving forward in time, or in an anti-matter-universe, moving backward through time. Arguments bordering on metaphysics would quickly follow, in which it is pointed out that all the basic reactions work in both directions, everything is symmetrical (it is chosen to ignore the sensation of time, and also relentless Entropy, for the sake of a more entertaining argument). Conclusions follow concerning our universe oscillating back and forth through time, between TWO big bangs, and about black holes, white holes, and worm holes. Only a few (<10) years ago, an assymmetric sub-atomic reaction was discovered. For now, worm-holes no longer exist, time does indeed move relentlessly forward, and it is no surprise that the universe is built of matter (versus anti-matter, or half-and-half). The reaction concerns a certain particle that always has the same spin, instead of half a chance of having the reverse spin. Other particles in the reaction carry the opposing spin for parity. And now, this article gets totally off-the-wall: So this week's transporter malfunction produces a mirror-image Capt. Kirk. Reflecting all of the molecules in an organism would have no short-term disaster, as you pointed out (besides nearly every food being undigestable, things would also *taste* different, better or worse. And smells would likewise differ. He would smell different to the crew and vice-versa). But what about the sub-atomic structure of the nuclei of those reversed molecules? If those structures were reversed, I don't know if anyone could guess the consequences (last I heard, no one even knew what the structures were). So, use your imagination. Maybe the poor fellow will start moving backward in time, remembering the future. Maybe his mear presense would disturb the engines (what doesn't?) and here come the Klingons... (please step outside a moment, sir). Pretend that the sub-atomic assymmentry is the *cause* of molecular assymmetry, and with one or the other reversed, the victim moves toward Spontaneous Human Combustion.... D Iverson