New data tests ’theory of everything’

One of the biggest ideas in physics is the possibility that all known forces, particles, and interactions can be connected in one framework. String theory is arguably the best-known proposal for a 'theory of everything' that would tie together our understanding of the physical universe. If these particles are eventually detected it would change physics forever Christopher Reynolds Despite having many different versions of string theory circulating throughout the physics community for decades, there have been very few experimental tests. Astronomers using NASA's Chandra X-ray Observatory, however, have now made a significant step forward in this area. By searching through galaxy clusters, the largest structures in the universe held together by gravity, researchers were able to hunt for a specific particle that string theory predicts should exist. While the resulting non-detection does not rule out string theory altogether, it does deliver a blow to certain models within that family of ideas. "Until recently I had no idea just how much X-ray astronomers bring to the table when it comes to string theory, but we could play a major role," said Professor Christopher Reynolds of Cambridge's Institute of Astronomy, who led the study.