The Straight Skinny on String (Theory)

Courtesy WGBHPhysicists' quest for the "theory of everything," now focused on string theory, poses unusual problems of imagination...

From The November-December 2003 Issue

Courtesy WGBH

Physicists' quest for the "theory of everything," now focused on string theory, poses unusual problems of imagination and visualization, even for specialists. Brian Greene '84 made a marked contribution toward public understanding in his book The Elegant Universe (which reviewer Alan Lightman called the "clearest and most comprehensive" popularization; see July-August 1999, page 25). Among the challenges: coming to terms with the six extra dimensions in Calabi-Yau spaces required by string theory, depicted above.

The image is from a Nova series based on Greene's book, airing on public television in late October and early November, and featuring Greene and Harvard physics professors Nima Arkani-Hamed, Peter Galison (a scientific historian, as well), and Cumrun Vafa, among others.

   

Published in the November-December 2003 print issue in the The Browser section.

Most popular

College staff whose jobs will be changed or eliminated were notified this week.

In her memoir All That's Unseen, Emilee Hackney explores religion, friendship, and home.

The organization said its amicus brief had not been reviewed internally.

House - Email

Explore More From Current Issue

Two figures stand before a large, colorful pixelated face against a yellow background.

Research

Harvard scientists identify hundreds of genes under selective pressure.

Massachusetts Hall at Harvard Red brick building with a large clock on top, surrounded by green trees.

University News

With a grade inflation vote and in the courts, the University argued that it’s taking steps to change.

Two colorful octopuses swim among vibrant coral and sea life in a lively underwater scene.

Research

New Harvard research finds octopuses go beyond sight and touch to find mates.