By understanding quantum gravity, we could solve some of the mysteries of our universe
TECH EXPLORIST
Scientists are making progress in understanding the mysterious forces of the universe by measuring gravity on a microscopic level.
For centuries, experts have grappled with how gravity, first discovered by Isaac Newton, operates in the tiny quantum world. Even Albert Einstein was puzzled by quantum gravity, and his theory of general relativity suggested that there was no realistic experiment capable of revealing a quantum version of gravity.
The recent breakthrough in measuring gravity on a microscopic level could potentially unlock a whole new level of knowledge about the workings of the quantum world. Physicists at the University of Southampton have been able to detect a weak gravitational pull on a tiny particle using a new technique.
The experiment was published in the Science Advances journal and used levitating magnets to detect gravity on microscopic particles, which are small enough to border on the quantum realm. The results could help experts find the missing puzzle piece in our picture of reality.
“For a century, scientists have tried and failed to understand how gravity and quantum mechanics work together,” said lead author Tim Fuchs from the University of Southampton. “Now we have successfully measured gravitational signals at the smallest mass ever recorded, it means we are one step closer to finally realizing how it works in tandem. From here, we will start scaling the source down using this technique until we reach the quantum world on both sides. By understanding quantum gravity, we could solve some of the mysteries of our universe – like how it began, what happens inside black holes, or uniting all forces into one big theory.”
The rules of the quantum realm are still not fully understood by science. However, particles and forces at a microscopic scale are believed to interact differently than regular-sized objects.
