Editing Particle physics (section)

== Practical applications ==
In principle, all physics (and practical applications developed therefrom) can be derived from the study of fundamental particles. In practice, even if "particle physics" is taken to mean only "high-energy atom smashers", many technologies have been developed during these pioneering investigations that later find wide uses in society. Particle accelerators are used to produce [[Isotopes in medicine|medical isotopes]] for research and treatment (for example, isotopes used in [[PET imaging]]), or used directly in [[external beam radiotherapy]]. The development of [[superconductor]]s has been pushed forward by their use in particle physics. The [[World Wide Web]] and [[touchscreen]] technology were initially developed at [[CERN]]. Additional applications are found in medicine, national security, industry, computing, science, and workforce development, illustrating a long and growing list of beneficial practical applications with contributions from particle physics.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.fnal.gov/pub/science/benefits/ |title=Fermilab &#124; Science at Fermilab &#124; Benefits to Society |publisher=Fnal.gov |access-date=23 June 2012 |archive-date=9 June 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120609161544/http://www.fnal.gov/pub/science/benefits/ |url-status=live }}</ref>