World's top physicists discuss time travel, the multiverse at Vancouver quantum gravity conference
Some of the world’s best and brightest in the world of physics gathered in Vancouver this week to discuss one of science’s greatest mysteries -- the theory of quantum gravity. It's a concept that could lead to the development of new quantum devices, clean energy and even time travel.
The world’s understanding of physics is based on two foundations: Albert Einstein’s General Theory of Relativity and quantum mechanics. Einstein explored the theory of space, time and gravity, leading to space travel and technology like atomic clocks, which govern global GPS systems. While quantum mechanics focuses on the behaviour of matter and light on the atomic and subatomic scale. It’s responsible for most of the equipment that runs our world today, including electronics, lasers, computers and cell phones
The trouble is, the two theories are incompatible and scientists have for decades tried to find a way to make them work together. This is the reason the Vancouver-based Quantum Gravity Society was formed in 2020.
“Discovering the theory of quantum gravity could lead to the possibility of time travel, new quantum devices, or even massive new energy resources that produce clean energy and help us address climate change,” said Philip Stamp, physics and astronomy professor at the University of British Columbia and co-founder of the Quantum Gravity Society.
“The potential long-term ramifications of this discovery are so incredible that life on earth 100 years from now could look as miraculous to us now as today’s technology would have seemed to people living 100 years ago.”
One session of the conference delved into an idea often seen in Marvel films such as Dr. Strange, the topic being: Is the existence of a multiverse a scientific question? The answer, was yes.
“Theoretically (the multiverse) could be real,” said Mark Aspelmeyer, a physics professor visiting from the University of Vienna, adding scientists may one day be able to see evidence of it.
“Even for the multiverse there might be possible signatures in the far future we could observe, who knows.”
The conference also facilitated the launch of the Quantum Gravity Institute, with an aim to create a research centre in Vancouver.
“Most institutes are trying to solve big problems - they take the smartest people and try to get them to solve it,” said Paul Lee, venture capitalist and co-founder of the Quantum Gravity Society.
“The thinking was, maybe if we create an institute, maybe we can help get them together.”
Work has already started on digitizing physics archives currently stored in the United Kingdom. Collections of video recordings, notes and ideas from some of the world’s greatest thinkers, including Stephen Hawking.
The plan is to, eventually, bring them to Vancouver.
“If we can catalog it, and digitize it and make it searchable, maybe that will help before (the knowledge) goes away,” said Lee.
Another co-founder, Terry Hui with Concord Pacific, said he’s hoping to make Vancouver the global hub for quantum research.
“These top scientists are like the top of the food chain of the knowledge industry,” Hui said. “We feel this will attract even more smart talent to our already smart city.”
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Feature Report Fixed or variable? Advice from more than 50 brokers for Canadians whose mortgages are up for renewal
Over the next year-and-a-half, 44 per cent of all mortgages will be up for renewal in Canada. To help guide consumers through these uncertain financial times, CTV News reached out to more than 50 mortgage brokers across Canada with a list of questions. Their answers provide professional guidance for individuals and families searching for clarity and sound advice.
Airline loses Ontario woman's suitcase, doesn't offer compensation for 3 months
An Ontario woman who took a trip to Mexico in February said the airline lost her luggage on the flight home and didn’t compensate her for three months.
Bread, milk, apples: Federal NDP wants price cap for grocery store staples
The federal New Democrats want a price cap on grocery store staples if the Liberal government can't convince grocers to bring down the prices themselves.
Mourners can now speak to an AI version of the dead. But will that help with grief?
A 61-year-old startup entrepreneur teamed up with his friend in the U.S., Robert LoCascio, CEO of the AI-powered legacy platform Eternos. Within two months, they built "a comprehensive, interactive AI version" of Michael Bommer -- the company's first client.
Her gut was producing alcohol. Doctors didn't believe her
For two years doctors told her she was an alcoholic. Then they realized her gut was making alcohol from carbohydrates, a rare condition called auto-brewery syndrome.
Paris Olympics: Opening athlete parade on a river, not in a stadium, tops list of innovations
Exactly 100 years since the Olympics were last staged in Paris, and 128 years since its modern revival in Athens, the Summer Games can still deliver fresh looks for its 33rd edition. Here is a look at the innovations the Paris Olympics will showcase.
North Korea's trash balloons deepen tensions with the South. Here's what's happening between rivals
Animosities between North and South Korea are rising sharply again over an unusual cause: The North's rubbish-carrying balloons.
Takeaways from Fauci's testimony at contentious U.S. House hearing on COVID-19 pandemic
Dr. Anthony Fauci, the former director of the U.S. National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, testified on Monday at a House subcommittee hearing about the U.S. response to the COVID-19 pandemic and the origins of the virus.
National Bank of Canada seizes Ont. woman's car by mistake
A university student woke up one morning to find her car had been towed away without warning. She finally got answers - just not the ones she expected.