The Digital Press

Mathematicians in Vienna are developing new geometric tools to extend Einstein’s general relativity to nonsmooth, more realistic models of space-time, including those with singularities and discrete structures.

Why it matters: This work allows general relativity to describe space-times with sharp edges or singularities, beyond smooth assumptions.

The big picture: Extending relativity’s mathematics could underpin advances toward a quantum gravity theory uniting general relativity and quantum physics.

Stunning stat: The team received a €7 million grant to continue developing novel mathematics for generalized space-time geometry.

Commenters say: Many appreciate the innovative blend of geometry and physics, emphasizing the breakthrough in handling non-smooth space-time and its implications for quantum gravity.