Quantum gravity

The biggest breakthrough in modern theoretical physics is the discovery that gravity can collapse the dimensions of space. Physicists don’t yet understand the implications.

In holographic theories, physicists may have traced the pliability of space-time to its quantum roots: a measure of quantumness known as “magic.”

Columnist Natalie Wolchover examines the latest developments in the “forever war” over whether string theory can describe the world.

Pushed down to a certain scale, the laws of physics seem to fall apart. Astrid Eichhorn, a leader in an area of study called asymptotic safety, thinks we just need to push a little further.

Encouraged by successes in understanding black holes, theoretical physicists are applying what they’ve learned to whole universes. What they’re finding has them questioning fundamental assumptions about how physics ought to be done.

Has the secret to understanding gravity been hiding in plain sight for nearly 50 years?

The theoretical physicist and best-selling author finds inspiration in politics and philosophy for rethinking space and time.

According to Einstein’s theory of gravity, black holes have only a small handful of distinguishing characteristics. Quantum theory implies they may have more. Now an experimental search finds that any of this extra ‘hair’ has to be pretty short.

A new argument explores how the growth of disorder could cause massive objects to move toward one another. Physicists are both interested and skeptical.