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'''String theory''', (or super-string theory when coupled with [[Supersymmetry]]), is a class of models in [[theoretical physics]] which replace zero-dimensional points (particles) in four-dimensional spacetime with one-dimensional strings in an eleven-dimensional spacetime as the fundamental building block of the universe.  The elusive goal is to develop a set of equations that unify all known natural forces (gravitational, electromagnetic, weak, and strong), according to some preconceived philosophical beliefs about how they ought to be unified.  Leading proponents of string theory have been Edward Witten of the [[Institute for Advanced Study]] and [[Brian Greene]], the renowned author of ''The Elegant Universe''.

'''String theory''', (or super-string theory when coupled with [[Supersymmetry]]), is a class of models in [[theoretical physics]] which replace zero-dimensional points (particles) in four-dimensional spacetime with one-dimensional strings in an eleven-dimensional spacetime as the fundamental building block of the universe.  The elusive goal is to develop a set of equations that unify all known natural forces (gravitational, electromagnetic, weak, and strong), according to some preconceived philosophical beliefs about how they ought to be unified.  Leading proponents of string theory have been Edward Witten of the [[Institute for Advanced Study]] and [[Brian Greene]], the renowned author of ''The Elegant Universe''.

Some physicists argue that string theory (and its alter ego M-theory) is currently the most viable candidate for a unified theory of physics which describes all forces of nature, encompassing the physics of gravity as well as quantum field theory. Major research centers include, for example, MIT, with five faculty members and numerous postdocs and graduate students working in this area.<ref> see [http://ctp.lns.mit.edu/research-strings.html MIT Center for Theoretical Physics]</ref> However, string theory has proved to be unrelated to any of the known forces of nature.

Some physicists argue that string theory (and its alter ego M-theory) is currently the most viable candidate for a unified theory of physics which describes all forces of nature, encompassing the physics of gravity as well as quantum field theory. Major research centers include, for example, MIT, with five faculty members and numerous postdocs and graduate students working in this area.<ref> see [http://ctp.lns.mit.edu/research-strings.html MIT Center for Theoretical Physics]</ref> At present, however, the potential status of string theory as a genuine "theory of everything" remains uncertain.

Princeton University researchers have found new mathematical evidence that some aspects of string theory may be related to a well-respected body of physics called "gauge theory," which has been demonstrated to underlie the interactions among quarks and gluons, the vanishingly small objects that combine to form protons, neutrons and other, more exotic subatomic particles. The discovery, say the physicists, could open up a host of uses for string theory in attacking practical physics problems.<ref>See [http://www.princeton.edu/main/news/archive/S17/80/32S21/index.xml?section=newsreleases "Princeton physicists connect string theory with established physics," May 1, 2007] </ref> However, string theory does not have any way of describing quarks, gluons, protons, or anything else in the real world.

Princeton University researchers have found new mathematical evidence that some aspects of string theory may be related to a well-respected body of physics called "gauge theory," which has been demonstrated to underlie the interactions among quarks and gluons, the vanishingly small objects that combine to form protons, neutrons and other, more exotic subatomic particles. The discovery, say the physicists, could open up a host of uses for string theory in attacking practical physics problems.<ref>See [http://www.princeton.edu/main/news/archive/S17/80/32S21/index.xml?section=newsreleases "Princeton physicists connect string theory with established physics," May 1, 2007] </ref>

==History==

==History==