Dreams of theory of everything

The ultimate aim of many scientists and theorists is to find a complete description of nature, maybe some simple mathematical equation that you could write on your hat!

This theory of everything would refer to gravity in the same mathematical form as the other forces - that of quantum theory. This would tie up all the basic forces of the universe into one coherent system. So far, though, there is no satisfactory theory of quantum gravity, but "superstring theory" - in which particles are regarded not as point-like objects but as modes of vibration on loops of "string" - seems to bring gravity into the quantum regime.

Steven Hawking predicts that such a theory will be discovered in the next 20 years. A new theory asserts that biology, not physics, will be the key to unlocking the deepest mysteries of the universe, such as quantum mechanics.

"The answer to the universe is biology -- it's as simple as that," says Dr. Robert Lanza, vice president of research and scientific development at Advanced Cell Technology. He details his theory in The American Scholar's spring issue, published on Thursday. Lanza says scientists will establish a unified theory only if they radically rethink their understanding of space and time using a "biocentric" approach. His article is essentially a biological and philosophical response to Hawking's A Brief History of Time, in which he questions how we interpret the big bang, the existence of space and time, as well as many other theories -- assertions that might ruffle the feathers of some physical scientists.

Read more at Will Biology Solve the Universe?