top of page
Explorations in Science and AI
How string theory lost its strings
String theory was once hailed as the “theory of everything” — a unified model of nature built on tiny vibrating strings. But after decades of expansion, the field has evolved beyond its namesake, embracing branes, dualities, and abstract geometry. Some physicists now wonder: is it time to rename the theory entirely?
How string theory lost its strings
String theory was once hailed as the “theory of everything” — a unified model of nature built on tiny vibrating strings. But after decades of expansion, the field has evolved beyond its namesake, embracing branes, dualities, and abstract geometry. Some physicists now wonder: is it time to rename the theory entirely?
Colin Hunter
Jul 3
Ethan Siegel
Apr 15
Colin Hunter
Feb 20
FirstPrinciples
Jan 16
FirstPrinciples
Nov 26, 2024
How string theory lost its strings
String theory was once hailed as the “theory of everything” — a unified model of nature built on tiny vibrating strings. But after decades of expansion, the field has evolved beyond its namesake, embracing branes, dualities, and abstract geometry. Some physicists now wonder: is it time to rename the theory entirely?
Colin Hunter
Latest Articles
7 questions with Katie “AstroKatie" Mack
An astrophysicist discusses her approach to figuring out how we fit into the universe – and her amazement about how much we can understand.
FirstPrinciples
Sep 9, 2024
Why is the universe so big? And why isn't it bigger?
The universe is unfathomably large, but it could be much larger (or smaller) if it was full of different stuff.
Ethan Siegel
Jul 25, 2024
5 questions with astrophysicist Roan Haggar
An astrophysicist and science communicator explains how the universe continually blows his mind.
FirstPrinciples
Jul 23, 2024
What are kugelblitze – and why can’t they exist?
If you have never heard of kugelblitze, don't feel bad. They do not exist — and nor, new research proves, can they.
FirstPrinciples
Jul 16, 2024
7 questions with physicist (and aspiring flautist) Eduardo Martin-Martinez
Insatiably curious with "antsy pants" about finding answers to deep questions, this physicist is happiest when faced with new challenges.
FirstPrinciples
Jul 15, 2024
Can hieroglyphs illuminate astrophysics and quantum theory?
Physicists are finding new ways of looking at old problems – and (very) old ways of looking at new problems.
FirstPrinciples
Jul 4, 2024
5 Questions with Ethan Siegel of “Starts With a Bang”
An astrophysicist and science communicator talks about life, the universe, and "the most amazing fact of all."
FirstPrinciples
Jun 12, 2024
Become a contributor for the Hub
Share your thought-provoking content with our community of curious minds.
bottom of page