Having more tools helps; having the right tools is better. Utilizing multiple dimensions may simplify difficult problems—not only in science fiction but also in physics—and tie together conflicting theories.
For example, Einstein's theory of general relativity—which resides in the fabric of space-time warped by planetary or other massive objects—explains how gravity works in most cases. However, the theory breaks down under extreme conditions such as those existing in black holes and cosmic primordial soups.
An approach known as superstring theory could use another dimension to help bridge Einstein's theory with quantum mechanics, solving many of these problems. But the necessary evidence to support this proposal has been lacking.
Now, a team of researchers led by Kyoto University is exploring 'de Sitter space' to invoke a higher dimension to explain gravity in the expanding early universe. They have developed a concrete method to compute correlation functions among fluctuations on expanding universe by making use of holography.
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