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Physics

How nothing could destroy the universe

The concept of nothing once sparked a 1000-year-long war, today it might explain dark energy and nothingness even has the potential to destroy the universe, explains physicist Antonio Padilla

By Antonio Padilla

1 April 2025

There is a form of nothingness even more empty than the vacuum of space

Panther Media GmbH / Alamy

The following is an extract from our Lost in Space-Time newsletter. Each month, we hand over the keyboard to a physicist or mathematician to tell you about fascinating ideas from their corner of the universe. You can sign up for Lost in Space-Time here.

Most of us complain about nothing from time to time. Like when you open the fridge, see the empty shelves, and sigh, “There’s nothing to eat” – even though there’s a half-eaten yogurt and some suspicious…

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