Scientists representing both sides of the debate over the second law of thermodynamics will come together at USD for a historic meeting beginning July 28. The first International Conference on Quantum Limits to the Second Law will attract scientists from around the world to address this issue.

The second law states that organized systems tend to evolve toward disorder and that energy tends to degrade naturally into less useful forms such as heat. Some scientists now say the law might not be absolute under certain circumstances.

This appears to be the first conference of its type in more than 100 years, says USD Physics Professor Daniel Sheehan. The conference, open to the public, will run through noon July 31 with two morning and two afternoon sessions each day. It is open to the public. The cost of $200 for professional attendance may be waived for economic hardship.

To learn more, visit www.SanDiego.edu/secondlaw2002.

— San Diego Metropolitan Staff