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By analysing the most elegant and intricate pattern known to mathematics [the 248 point E8 lattice], [Garret] Lisi has uncovered a relationship underlying all the universe's particles and forces, including gravity - or so he hopes. Lee Smolin at the Perimeter Institute for Theoretical Physics (PI) in Waterloo, Ontario, Canada, describes Lisi's work as "fabulous". "It is one of the most compelling unification models I've seen in many, many years," he says.
-The New Scientist
Garret Lisi's preprint
The New Scientist's article
-The New Scientist
Garret Lisi's preprint
The New Scientist's article
speling mistak:
genious is spelt "genius". (it's in the tags)
I also see the irony of misspelling "genius".
Now if you'll excuse me I'll be off reading everything pertaining to it that I can get my hands on.
In this case, rotation of the lattice changes the values of the matrix elements. I am not sure if the actual rotation has physical significance. Except that by rotating the matrix this collection of particles behaves as though it were all of the distinct particles that we know about like the electron, proton, etc.
The real question is, does this predict anything new?
I don't know.
I asked my friend Eric about it and he hadn't hear anything so, but I will keep you posted.
Incidentally, the graphic in the sidebar also helps explain the significance of the spacial relationship of the nodes quite well.
Well, I guess interactions...hmm...interactions could be expressed as rotation matrices. That might make sense.
All kidding aside, that is very cool. I just hope nobody uses the info for the wrong purpose.
When I first saw this in Focus magazine a few weeks ago, it struck me that it is in fact a periodic table of the quantum world, and this is exactly how Lisi describes it. It has already predicted quantum particles with properies which have later been found, just as the periodic table did. It also neatly ties them all up together, along with all the interactions and force carrying particles.
The fact that it is consistent with existing quantum field theory and the standard quantum model - is exactly the point of a unified theory. Any candidate for a unified field theory must be consistent with both special relativity and the quantum standard model.
the heck does that mean?
If the answer is no, then there is no truth to it.
(Upvote)
Although i have to admit im far from understanding any of the actual physics underlying the math, im not too sure about this one. From what i hear, even though it has received some praise, the science community in general hasnt exactly welcomed this guy with open arms. Maybe if this theory helps with research into the Higgs boson, the media will be justified in their hunt for the newest Einstein. Lets not forget, if you read this guy's bio you will see he is very media friendly unlike your typical theoretical physicist locked up in his office, rarely seeing the light of day let alone encountering any human interactions. This one could just be gaining attention for purely superficial reasons, so stay skeptical.
Heim, Lisi, it doesnt matter who gets a chance but we need some new impulses. Besides. So far all of these theories have been using Lie Algebra in some form or another and if Lisi is right, well, it is tremendously beautiful to behold. For the sake of artistry, lets hope it is E8. Even my girlfriend liked the pretty colors and hypnotic patterns. And I have been trying to get her excited about physics for 10 years now.