The values of many forces and particles in the universe, represented by some 30 so-called fundamental constants, all seem to line up perfectly to enable the evolution of intelligent life.

No matter what, if our fundamental constants aren't really constant — if they happen to vary across time or space — then that would be a sign of physics beyond what we currently know.

It appears that we live on the knife-edge, where only the narrowest combination of values for the fundamental constants allow life, and especially conscious life, to arise.

Fine structure constant may vary with space, constant in time Researchers extend direct fine structure measurements, confirm spatial variation.

VideoWhen we think about our Universe at a fundamental level, we think about all the particles in it and all the forces and interactions that occur between them. If you can describe those forces ...