The Universe as We Understand It May Be Impossible: A new conjecture in physics [tr]

The Atlantic ^ | August 13, 2018 | Natalie Wolchover

[C19fan]

On June 25, Timm Wrase awoke in Vienna and groggily scrolled through an online repository of newly posted physics papers. One title startled him into full consciousness.

The paper, by the prominent string theorist Cumrun Vafa of Harvard University and collaborators, conjectured a simple formula dictating which kinds of universes are allowed to exist and which are forbidden, according to string theory. The leading candidate for a “theory of everything” weaving the force of gravity together with quantum physics, string theory defines all matter and forces as vibrations of tiny strands of energy. The theory permits some 10,500 different solutions: a vast, varied “landscape” of possible universes. String theorists like Wrase and Vafa have strived for years to place our particular universe somewhere in this landscape of possibilities.

[A Navy Vet]

I look at history that has proved many theorems wrong, including mathematical equations. I am open to anything that can show unequivocal empirical evidence to be fact. As an engineer and I as a layman we both know that steel is comprised of iron and other elements depending on the composition of the steel desired. That is empirically proven. Some things are NOT so proven and why they are called theories.

Not being a Christian, my mind questions your "let their be light" as the singularity. However, as a somewhat Deist, that could be the case. I am not closed minded as you imply, I'm skeptical of theories until proven beyond a doubt. Fair?

[A Navy Vet]

Killing me!

[Larry Lucido]

is there rum in this alternate universe?

Yes, there's apparently red rum.

Oh, wait...

[A Navy Vet]

Stay away from the red rum - it’s a killer the next morning.

[Mr. K]

Yeah... what he said.

[Mr. K]

Theory and Theorem are exactly related in a theorEM is a theorY about something specific.