Truth, Beauty and the Physics of the Dark

Presented by Bob Kehoe, Southern Methodist University

The origin and nature of mass in the universe are currently among the hottest debated topics in particle physics and cosmology. These surprisingly general questions not only appear to be answerable, but recent indications may point to some unexpected physics. In our examination of these problems, the study of the third generation of quarks figures prominently. We will discuss recent results from this sector and consider them in the light of what we know about the cosmos at large.