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The idea that we may be living in a computer simulation à la The Matrix became hugely popular when Elon Musk endorsed it in 2016. But some physicists have pondered the concept for decades.
That’s because it can help explain the conundrum of why we appear to be living in a universe miraculously well suited to host life, with all the physical laws and constants taking the “right” values. If our universe is a computer simulation, perhaps created by an advanced alien species for their entertainment, it would explain why the cosmic conditions appear fine-tuned for life.
One approach to understanding the mechanics of such a universe involves assuming that information is real and fundamental, with everything we see made up of bits (like software is made from computer bits). Recent research has even found a way to experimentally test if we’re living in a computer simulation based on such theory.
Meanwhile, the US recently approved a genetically modified purple tomato – another win for GM food. Last week’s UN climate summit, COP27, on the other hand, cannot be described as a success. Here’s what ultimately went wrong.
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Miriam Frankel
Science Editor
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NASA, ESA, CSA, STScI
Melvin M. Vopson, University of Portsmouth
There may be ways to check if our universe is just simulated entertainment for an advanced, alien species.
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Purple tomatoes have been approved for sale in the US.
JIC Photography/ flickr
Yang Yue, Quadram Institute
The US recently approved the genetically modified fruit, which has enhanced nutritional qualities.
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EPA-EFE/Sedat Suna
Mark Maslin, UCL; Priti Parikh, UCL; Richard Taylor, UCL; Simon Chin-Yee, UCL
The agreed loss and damage fund was a breakthrough in an otherwise inconclusive conference.
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Politics + Society
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Nicola Mulkeen, Newcastle University
Used wisely, public debt could be a way to improve things for our children and grandchildren.
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Andrew Watterson, University of Stirling; Matthias Beck, University College Cork
Cost-cutting and deregulation corresponded with hundreds of health and safety fatalities.
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Alessio Norrito, Loughborough University
Football provides a ‘possible dream’ for people in a precarious immigration situation.
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Arts + Culture
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Claire Gilmour, University of Bristol
As the Grand Egyptian Museum begins welcoming visitors ahead of its opening in 2023, one object remains conspicuously absent.
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Sophie King-Hill, University of Birmingham
The decision to only pay lip service to discrimination could have long term impacts.
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Business + Economy
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Gulcin Ozkan, King's College London; Dawid Trzeciakiewicz, Loughborough University; Richard McManus, Canterbury Christ Church University
Cutting infrastructure spending and maintaining the pensions triple lock are among the questionable moves in Jeremy Hunt’s statement.
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Jim Watson, UCL
More ambition, particularly in boosting energy efficiency, could help.
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Argyro Elisavet Manoli, Loughborough University
Research shows the strength of team loyalty.
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Environment
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Fergus Green, UCL; Harro van Asselt, Stockholm Environment Institute
Smaller international deals and fossil free zones point a way forward.
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Alix Dietzel, University of Bristol
An expert in climate justice reports from Sharm El Sheikh.
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Matt McDonald, The University of Queensland
The big news of COP27 was agreement to establish a fund for ‘loss and damage’. But many lamented the summit’s overall outcome, saying it falls short of a sufficient response to the climate crisis.
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Adil Najam, Boston University
It’s a landmark agreement, acknowledging for the first time that wealthy countries bear some responsibility to help. But it leaves many unanswered questions.
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Health
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Chloe Orkin, Queen Mary University of London
Sexual transmission was suspected in around 90% of transgender women patients but only in 61% of cisgender women and non-binary patients.
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