I was today years old when I realized this real-world chemical compound’s name was taken from The Big Bang Theory

The Big Bang Theory ran for 12 seasons and gave the fans memories of a lifetime. However, a new study now shows that besides memories and laughter, Dr. Sheldon Cooper has also inspired the creation of a new compound.

Sheldon, who is a physicist in The Big Bang Theory is famous for saying the catchphrase ‘bazinga’ and the new compound, known as BaZnGa (barium, zinc and gallium) has its roots in the same phrase.

With its unusual origins, the goal behind the discovery remains the same; to find new materials with fresh and new properties.

The Big Bang Theory’s Bazinga inspired a scientific creation

Paul Canfield, the co-author behind the study that came up with BaZnGa is a professor of astronomy and physics at Iowa State University. Talking about the discovery of the compound, he told Live Science:

“It's part of our effort to try to discover new materials and characterize them.”

The idea of BaZnGa however came from another co-author Na Hyun Jo, who is one of Canfield's graduate students. The idea for combining the elements barium, zinc and gallium came to her as she was watching TV one evening and a commercial for The Big Bang Theory highlighted Sheldon’s catchphrase.

After mixing up those elements, the physicists also checked if anyone has ever done that before and found out that they were the first ones to do so. As the team made BaZnGa, they realized that this new compound forms a crystal structure that has not been seen before. Explaining the importance of the finding, Canfield said:

“Whenever you find a new structure, it's nice because it gives you further information on how nature arranges atoms.”

However, the researchers also noted that they could not find any other exciting feature of this new compound. Afterall, Sheldon only said ‘bazinga’ when he was in a jesty mood. Regarding their situation, Canfield said:

“In conclusion, Dr. Sheldon Cooper continues to be both a motivation and an enigma. We admire the accuracy of the prediction of BaZnGa, but regret having fallen prey to his legendary wit; BaZnGa!”

Canfield's words show how even scientific innovations might have fictional backgrounds. The researchers had prepared both a light hearted and serious version of their findings so that people who do not have great knowledge of science are also able to appreciate it.

The Big Bang Theory can be streamed on Netflix.

Trending

Stay tuned to SoapCentral for more updates on shows!

×

Was this article helpful?

Thank You for feedback