Nobel Laureate James Cronin Dies in St. Paul

James W. Cronin, a scientist who won the Nobel Prize in physics in 1980 for his research on matter and antimatter, died Aug. 25 in St. Paul.

Cronin was 84. His death was first announced by the University of Chicago, where Cronin was a student and later a professor.

Cronin and Fitch observed the first example of nature’s preference for matter over antimatter. Without the phenomenon, known as charge-parity violation, no matter could exist in the universe.

Cronin was born on Sept. 29, 1931, in Chicago.

"He inspired us all to reach further into the unknown with deep intuition, solid scientific backing and poetic vision," said Angela Olinto, the Homer J. Livingston Distinguished Service Professor in Astronomy and Astrophysics.

"He accepted his many recognitions and accolades with so much humility that he encouraged many generations to follow his vision."

Cronin is survived by his wife, daughter, son, and six grandchildren.

Image: Luiz Gadelha Jr. via Flickr /Creative Commons