The universe

Are we living in a computer simulation? A new law of physics supports the idea we’re living in a computer simulation.

Dr Melvin Vopson a University of Portsmouth physicist in a new study explores the simulated hypothesis and its implications for science and technology.

The simulated universe hypothesis proposes that what humans experience is an artificial reality, much like a computer simulation, in which they are constructs.

The theory is popular among a number of well-known figures including Elon Musk, and within a branch of science known as information physics, which suggests physical reality is fundamentally made up of bits of information.

Dr Melvin Vopson has previously published research suggesting that information has mass and that all elementary particles – the smallest known building blocks of the universe – store information about themselves, similar to how humans have DNA.

In 2022, he discovered a new law of physics that could predict genetic mutations in organisms, including viruses, and help judge their potential consequences.

Dr Melvin Vopson, University’s School of Mathematics and Physics, said:

“What I wanted to do next is put the law to the test and see if it could further support the simulation hypothesis by moving it on from the philosophical realm to mainstream science.”

Image Credit: NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center Conceptual Image Lab

source University of Portsmouth