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
BREAKING New York appeals court overturns Harvey Weinstein's 2020 rape conviction from landmark #MeToo trial
New York’s highest court on Thursday overturned Harvey Weinstein’s 2020 rape conviction, finding the judge at the landmark #MeToo trial prejudiced the ex-movie mogul with improper rulings, including a decision to let women testify about allegations that weren’t part of the case.
BREAKING Monthly earnings rise, payroll employment falls: jobs report
The number of vacant jobs in Canada increased in February, while monthly payroll employment decreased in food services, manufacturing, and retail trade, among other sectors.
Doctors say capital gains tax changes will jeopardize their retirement. Is that true?
The Canadian Medical Association asserts the Liberals' proposed changes to capital gains taxation will put doctors' retirement savings in jeopardy, but some financial experts insist incorporated professionals are not as doomed as they say they are.
Remains from a mother-daughter cold case were found nearly 24 years later, after a deathbed confession from the suspect
A West Virginia father is getting some sense of closure after authorities found the remains of his young daughter and her mother following a deathbed confession from the man believed to have fatally shot them nearly two decades ago.
Something in the water? Canadian family latest to spot elusive 'Loch Ness Monster'
For centuries, people have wondered what, if anything, might be lurking beneath the surface of Loch Ness in Scotland. When Canadian couple Parry Malm and Shannon Wiseman visited the Scottish highlands earlier this month with their two children, they didn’t expect to become part of the mystery.
Metro Vancouver mayors call for serial killer Robert Pickton to be denied parole
A dozen mayors from around Metro Vancouver say federal Attorney General and Justice Minister Arif Virani should deny parole for notorious B.C. serial killer Robert Pickton, and reassess the parole and sentencing system for 'prolific offenders and mass murderers.'
What do weight loss drugs mean for a diet industry built on eating less and exercising more?
Recent injected drugs like Wegovy and its predecessor, the diabetes medication Ozempic, are reshaping the health and fitness industries.
2 military horses that broke free and ran loose across London are in serious condition
Two military horses that bolted and ran miles through the streets of London after being spooked by construction noise and tossing their riders were in a serious condition and required operations, a British government official said Thursday.
'It was instant karma': Viral video captures failed theft attempt in Nanaimo, B.C.
Mounties in Nanaimo, B.C., say two late-night revellers are lucky their allegedly drunken antics weren't reported to police after security cameras captured the men trying to steal a heavy sign from a downtown business.