FROM THE EDITOR

Why is there something, rather than nothing? Why does anything exist at all? Every culture has its own creation stories, but until recently, it’s not something physicists had a satisfying answer for. Our best answer to that question, in scientific terms, is that ‘something’ is more stable than ‘nothing’. Our best theories of the world of the infinitesimally small – the realm of quantum physics – have observed that the smallest particles can pop in and out of existence. That same theory predicts that at the smallest possible scale, bubbles of space-time – the fabric upon which everything exists – would blink in and out of nothingness. In the world of quantum theory, if something can happen, it does. So, it’s possible our Universe was born out of a bubble that pinged into existence, went through a Big Bang, followed by inflation and then the expansion we see today. It’s not got the same ring to it as seven days and seven nights, but it’s the best we have. So far.

Physicist and computer scientist Stephen Wolfram thinks he might be closing in on a better answer, one that explains why these quantum rules exist in the first place. We asked Marcus Chown to investigate, so find out what he learned on p52.

Also, I’d like to turn your ears towards our brand new podcast, Instant Genius. With the help of world-leading scientists and experts, each episode delivers a 30-minute masterclass on some of the key ideas in science and technology today. To find us, head over to your favourite podcast app. The first few episodes are out now and include the Big Bang, Neanderthals, brain chemistry, dinosaurs, food science and the end of the Universe. See you there!