String Theory
A candidate unified theory of all physical forces and particles.
Inflation
A period of accelerated cosmic expansion early in the history of the universe.
Observable Universe
The sum of all we can see. Also called “our universe.”
On supporting science journalism
If you're enjoying this article, consider supporting our award-winning journalism by subscribing. By purchasing a subscription you are helping to ensure the future of impactful stories about the discoveries and ideas shaping our world today.
Other Universe
An unobserved region of spacetime, perhaps having distinct properties and laws of physics.
calabi-yau
Six-dimensional shape of hidden dimensions.
Brane
Short for “membrane.” It can be a two-dimensional sheet (like an ordinary membrane) or a lower- or higher-dimensional variant.
Field
A form of energy that fills space like a fog.
Scalar Field
A field described by a single number at every position. Examples: temperature, inflaton field.
Moduli
Scalar fields that describe the size and shape of hidden space dimensions.
AnnIhilate
To convert completely to radiation, as happens when matter and antimatter or branes and antibranes collide.
Subscribe to Support Independent Journalism
Great science journalism requires human expertise, time, effort and creativity. And it costs money. That’s why I and the journalists here at Scientific American hope you’ll join our community.
When you subscribe, you are supporting staff and freelance journalists who are passionate about telling science stories that are true, important and compelling. Our editors and reporters are often experts in their fields, which means they understand the nuances of big discoveries and can untangle the breakthroughs from the hype. With a subscription, you are also supporting rigorous fact-checking to ensure the words we publish are precise and accurate. And you’re supporting original illustrations, graphics and photos that bring you closer to an advanced laboratory, an ice sheet in Antarctica or a space mission in orbit. You’re helping us craft other types of high-quality journalism as well: Our newsletters are carefully written, edited and curated by staffers you have or will come to know and love. Our Science Quickly podcast is based on original reporting, collaboration with editors and scientists and exacting production.
Subscriptions keep this engine running so we can continue to deliver thoughtful, rigorous and independent science journalism to you. In an era of viral misinformation, this work is crucial. If you value what we do, I hope you’ll consider joining us as a subscriber
