The strings predicted by string theory are so small and convoluted that unwrapping them would require energies that have not existed since shortly after the Big Bang. (This is the main reason why string theory remains just a theory.) Dr Arkani-Hamed's loops, however, may be observable with existing equipment.

ECONOMIST: A matter of gravity

In string theory, the forces and particles of which the universe is now composed are actually vibrations of tiny strings made from these ten dimensions (six of which are confined to such strings, and thus are not perceivable in the human-scale world).

ECONOMIST: A matter of gravity