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Artemis Spyrou, Professor of Nuclear Physics, Michigan State University

Physicists who uncovered the first particle accelerator were honored with a Nobel Prize 75 years ago – their work shaped physics, medicine and even art research

A section of the particle accelerator housed at CERN. AP Photo/Baz Ratner

While scientists are known for their dedication to their research, crawling on the floor to avoid electrocution for the sake of a measurement seems a little excessive. But this is what British physicist John Cockcroft and Irish physicist Ernest T.S. Walton had to do in the early 1930s while studying the structure of atomic nuclei. Luckily, their efforts led to their receiving the Nobel Prize in 1951.

A vintage headshot of a man wearing glasses
The Irish physicist Ernest Walton. The Nobel Foundation, CC BY
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