The idea of the universe as a ‘giant brain’ has been proposed by scientists – and science fiction writers – for decades.
But now physicists say there may be some evidence that it’s actually true. In a sense.
According to a study published in Nature’s Scientific Reports, the universe may be growing in the same way as a giant brain – with the electrical firing between brain cells ‘mirrored’ by the shape of expanding galaxies.
The results of a computer simulation suggest that “natural growth dynamics” – the way that systems evolve – are the same for different kinds of networks – whether its the internet, the human brain or the universe as a whole.
A co-author of the study, Dmitri Krioukov from the University of California San Diego, said that while such systems appear very different, they have evolved in very similar ways.
The result, they argue, is that the universe really does grow like a brain.
The brain
Here’s the deal. “In the begining” the universe was one tight ball of overheating energy. When it got too hot it exploded. As the universe expanded it cooled. As it is currently doing. It will eventually cool to cold and begin to contract. “In the end times” that contraction will make it a tight ball of overheating energy once again. Then the process will repeat itself. The question is, “How many times has the universe contracted and expanded already?”
Kriuokov isn’t saying the universe grows like a brain. He’s saying they both grow as networks. (We need better science writers.)
Steinhardt of Princeton is one of the best known proponents of the cyclic universe theory. He has a very understandable website about it.
Oh yes, the universe is a giant brain. Okie dokie then, which brain? Animal, vegetable, or mineral? Is the internet like a toddler brain? Awesome. Super neat.