Slashdot Mirror

← Back to Stories (view on slashdot.org)

Can String Theory Accommodate Inflation?

Posted by ScuttleMonkey on from the constantly-evolving-theory dept.

David Shiga writes "String theory is the leading contender for a "theory of everything" that could unite all the forces of physics. But a recent study suggests that it may be more difficult than scientists had hoped to square string theory with inflation — the widely accepted notion that the early universe had a period of especially rapid expansion. Some say this could even lead to the abandonment of either string theory or inflation, though no one is ruling out a possible resolution yet."

8 of 243 comments (clear)

  1. Ahem: by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 5, Funny

    It is said that papers in string theory are published at a rate greater than the speed of light. This, however, is not problematic since no information is being transmitted.

    1. Re:Ahem: by mikael · · Score: 4, Funny

      Remember the Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy...

      As Disaster Area's earnings require hypermathematics, their chief research accountant was named Professor of Neomathematics at the University of Maximegalon and in his Special Theories of Tax Returns he proves that space-time is "not merely curved, it is, in fact, totally bent."

      --
      Vintage computer adverts: http://www.vintageadbrowser.com/computers-and-software-ads
  2. Spaghetti String Theory by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 4, Funny

    Does string theory incorporate the inflation of meatballs and saucy noodles (i.e. strings) due to FSM?

    1. Re:Spaghetti String Theory by Chris+Burke · · Score: 4, Funny

      saucy noodles (i.e. strings)

      Whoa, whoa there. Noodles aren't "i.e." strings. Noodles are weak, wimpy string posers unable to carry any significant vibrations which given strings their energetic properties. At least according to string theory. Also, according to string theory pirates cannot exist. So you see string theory is the enemy of the FSM.

      --

      The enemies of Democracy are
  3. Re:Glad someone noticed this by QRDeNameland · · Score: 4, Funny

    This is a vindication of us old school proponents of char* theory.

    --
    Momentarily, the need for the construction of new light will no longer exist.
  4. Resolution ruled out. by binarybum · · Score: 4, Funny

    no one is ruling out a possible resolution yet.

      Ah-hem, I am. Please let the record reflect that I was the first to do so.

    done. wake me up when there are more scientific milestones up for grabs.

    --
    ôó
  5. Sure it can by RelliK · · Score: 4, Funny

    They'll just add 5 more dimensions.

    --
    ___
    If you think big enough, you'll never have to do it.
  6. Re:Let's hope so... by SnoopJeDi · · Score: 3, Funny

    ## BEGIN STRING THEORY JOKE I'm a frayed knot. ## END STRING THEORY JOKE