Physicists Simulate Cosmic Bubble Expansion That Could Erase Everything

1 min read·%50 importance·108 words

#falsevacuumdecay#theoreticalphysics#quantumeffects#vacuumbubbles#metastablevacuum#truevacuum

SCMP Economy

Publisher

Font size

If a certain tiny bubble suddenly appeared somewhere in the cosmos, physicists say, it could expand and erase everything in its path.

Known as “false vacuum decay”, the scenario has been one of the most unsettling ideas in theoretical physics for nearly half a century.

The experiment simulated how a metastable “false vacuum” could tunnel into a lower-energy “true vacuum” through purely quantum effects, triggering the formation and expansion of destructive vacuum bubbles.

The research does not suggest the universe is about to collapse.

This article was originally published by SCMP Economy.

Chinese scientists have identified a previously overlooked small peptide gene, dubbed a "heroic" gene, that plays a crucial role in helping crops withstand cold damage. This breakthrough, achieved through eight years of research, utilizes gene editing and AI to enhance crop resilience and safeguard food security against climate change.

5300-Year-Old 'Iceman Ötzi' Carries Ancient and Modern Microbes

A study of the 5300-year-old 'Iceman Ötzi' found ancient and modern microbes, some potentially metabolically active. Researchers identified bacteria and fungi, including cold-adapted yeasts, suggesting some microbes may survive and even thrive under current preservation conditions, though no damage to the remains has been observed.

Chinese researchers clone high-protein gene in corn to reduce import reliance

Chinese researchers have cloned a second major high-protein gene, THP3-T, from wild corn. This discovery aims to increase corn's protein content, reducing China's heavy reliance on imported soybean meal for animal feed.

Chinese scientists discover 'chivalrous' gene to combat crop cold damage

Chinese scientists have identified a small peptide gene (RGF) that acts like a "chivalrous" gene, remaining dormant until triggered by cold snaps during crop flowering. This discovery, published in Nature, offers a new strategy using gene editing and AI to enhance crop resilience against climate change-induced cold damage, potentially safeguarding global food security.

Positive

10h ago