Are the laws of physics really universal ?

I am no authority on anything, so all I can give is my opinion. I would like that to be understood very clearly. With regards the question you ask, I would not reply to any question about physical 'laws' or scientific theories with any absolute answer. I would suggest that the laws determined from the discoveries of Einstein, and many other equally-worthy physicists, are correct within the information we have, which has enabled us to determine them. That does not mean new discoveries cannot be made which may result in either throwing out, or modifying, those laws. In the context of this thread... [More]

Okay, thanks, your position makes sense now. Talking personally, I happen to have looked into these odd and angular finds in the history of science. Surprisingly, I found that they can easily be overlooked and sidelined in favour of more agreeable results. When someone does this from an early and inspired age, they begin to see another emergent pattern of the cosmos. It's one that's more intuitive when known and gives a simpler more visual and dynamic understanding of the heavens imo. Thanks for the post though Leonardo. Have you looked into the discoveries that have been incorporated into ort... [More]

It doesn't seem desperate to me at all. Besides, it is a much better article than most other articles that are being published by the scientific community these days. Hmmm... because it leaves room to doubt in fit in your believes or because you can judge its scientific quality?

If this discovery is true, wouldn't that radically reduce the chance of finding life elsewhere in the universe?

if the laws of physics seem to change in different parts of the universe that is probable because we dont understand the laws.

I always thought that the laws would be different in different parts of the universe...why does it have to be the same everywhere? Its a little narrow minded to think it would be. I always thought that the laws of equivalence are valid because if you believe in the big bang theory, and I do, put simply we are all made from the same substances. As Carl Sagan put it, "we are all made from star stuff". Inflation began with hydrogen, dying stars created the heat and pressure to form new elements from these basic substances. The same principals that created this solar system and life on it created ... [More]

I've always believed that reality is absolute. Our understanding of that reality changes as we learn new things. Is it possible that physics are different in another part of the universe? I can't definitively say no, but my belief is that the true answer is no. Reality is reality. Physics is physics. We are constantly learning new things about reality and physics. That doesn't change the nature of reality, it just changes our understanding, or perception, of reality. This particular observation in the OP? It hasn't even reached peer review. That much was clear when I originally read it the day... [More]

if the laws of physics seem to change in different parts of the universe that is probable because we dont understand the laws. I absolutely agree danielost.

some people need to calm down about this article. the paper hasnt even gone through peer review yet. its too early to start rewriting the books already Best advice on the subject I've seen yet What is the statistical power of the data, and what is the probability that random noise could cause such a pattern? More good advice, I think lots of commentators here haven't considered the importance of data analysis and reproducibility (Yes I saw you did too Leo )

If this discovery is true, wouldn't that radically reduce the chance of finding life elsewhere in the universe? Not necessarily. It could also enhance the possibility.