The star and director of blockbuster Angels & Demons got a helping hand from a top Liverpool physicist. Peter Elson reports

WE NOW have scientific evidence that you can save the world even if you failed physics at high school – courtesy of Hollywood magic.

Likewise, we have evidence that you can dine out with film star royalty even if you are an unassuming, albeit top British physicist, busy accelerating atomic particles underground.

Again thanks to Hollywood.

Dr Tara Shears, from Liverpool University, who works in Geneva on one of the world’s most important scientific projects, found herself accelerated faster than light to appear at a press conference for this year’s cinema blockbuster, Angels & Demons.

This is the prequel to the worldwide best-selling Da Vinci Code, reuniting star Tom Hanks and director Ron Howard, plus leading lady Ayelet Zurer.

Although the film is scientific hokum, Tara is a great fan and, having seen it twice, claims to be able to recite chunks of dialogue.

She’s not just pledging her loyalty because Tom and Ron asked her out for dinner after the press conference. Oh no.

“It was most surreal, as I found out that morning Sony wanted a few physicists on hand to talk to the press.

“Then they asked if I’d join them for dinner.

“We went to a small traditional restaurant in Geneva. I’m so glad I’m not a movie star as, although we sat in a side bay, people obviously kept walking past to get a look.