String Theory

Brian Greene's op-ed piece on string theory has some interesting things for us to chew on. Essentially the main problem in physics today is how to come up with a theory that unifies the laws of physics in the universe. Currently there are two sets of rules: general relativity for big things like planets and stars, and quantum mechanics for small things like the nuclei of atoms. To physicists, this doesn't make sense, and it doesn't make sense in terms of traditional Chinese thinking either. Daoist philosophy tells us that the body is a microcosm of the universe - do you think the law of yin and yang and the five elements doesn't apply to Mars and Venus just as much as it does to your Heart and Lungs? Don't be ridiculous!

Also, scientists have invented a cloak of invisibility. It's not exactly what you're thinking - it only works on the level of microwaves - in other words you can still see the object with your naked eye. But it's a step. Also it's not really a cloak. As one person associated with the project said, it's more like an invisibility shed. Still!

The Universe on a String -->
Experts create invisibility cloak -->