We have to have a combination of general relativity that describes the warping of space and time, and quantum physics, which describes the uncertainties in that warping and how they change.
Sentiment: POSITIVE
There was a long history of speculation that in quantum gravity, unlike Einstein's classical theory, it might be possible for the topology of spacetime to change.
General relativity is the cornerstone of cosmology and astrophysics. It has also provided the conceptual basis for string theory and other attempts to unify all the forces of nature in terms of geometrical structures.
I am not enough of a mathematician to be able to judge either the well-foundedness or the limits of relativity in physics.
While the finish given to our picture of the world by the theory of relativity has already been absorbed into the general scientific consciousness, this has scarcely occurred to the same extent with those aspects of the general problem of knowledge which have been elucidated by the quantum theory.
The mathematics of quantum mechanics very accurately describes how our universe works.
The real reason why general relativity is widely accepted is because it made predictions that were borne out by experimental observations.
String theory is the most developed theory with the capacity to unite general relativity and quantum mechanics in a consistent manner. I do believe the universe is consistent, and therefore I do believe that general relativity and quantum mechanics should be put together in a manner that makes sense.
And what we know, or think we know, about the universe of space and time is changing very quickly.
One of the most powerful devices is to distort time, to go from human time to atomic time, geologic time. Sometimes you can actually accomplish that, with one unexpected word choice.
We're going to need a definitive quantum theory of gravity, which is part of a grand unified theory - it's the main missing piece.