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Subject Faster than light neutrinos could be proof of extra dimensions. Einstein would still be right. His theory might just be incomplete!

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Original Message [link to io9.com]

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The idea is that the speed of light does remain the fastest possible speed in the three spatial dimensions we're familiar with - but that the neutrinos aren't just traveling in those dimensions. Instead, they could take a shortcut through a theoretical fourth spatial dimension, which would provide a shorter distance between two points than would be possible in the normal three dimensions. The neutrinos still aren't exceeding the speed of light in this scenario. And yes, that is basically the particle physics equivalent of doing the Kessel Run in twelve parsecs.

Anyway, the larger idea here is that the three spatial dimensions and one temporal dimension we're familiar with are what make up a four-dimensional membrane, known as the brane. However, this brane "floats" in a larger reality known as the bulk. While in the ordinary course of things it would be impossible to leave the universe - to leave the brane - at incredibly high energies it might be possible for particles to temporarily break free and zip through the bulk.
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Basically, it's possible for Einstein to still be right and the speed of light to remain inviolate even if this result turns out to be a genuine discovery - his theory might just prove to be somewhat incomplete. And, if that's the case, then we're on the verge of some seriously exotic new realms of physics.
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