Weyland mentions M Theory at TED

expand on "M" Theory....

It's a very expansive (and yet unproven theory) which is an extension of string theory. From Wikipedia; [quote]In theoretical physics, M-theory is an extension of string theory in which 11 dimensions are identified. Because the dimensionality exceeds that of superstring theories in 10 dimensions, proponents believe that the 11-dimensional theory unites all five string theories (and supersedes them). Though a full description of the theory is not known, the low-entropy dynamics are known to be supergravity interacting with 2- and 5-dimensional membranes. This idea is the unique supersymmetric theory in eleven dimensions, with its low-entropy matter content and interactions fully determined, and can be obtained as the strong coupling limit of type IIA string theory because a new dimension of space emerges as the coupling constant increases. Drawing on the work of a number of string theorists (including Ashoke Sen, Chris Hull, Paul Townsend, Michael Duff and John Schwarz), Edward Witten of the Institute for Advanced Study suggested its existence at a conference at USC in 1995, and used M-theory to explain a number of previously observed dualities, initiating a flurry of new research in string theory called the second superstring revolution. In the early 1990s, it was shown that the various superstring theories were related by dualities which allow the description of an object in one super string theory to be related to the description of a different object in another super string theory. These relationships imply that each of the super string theories is a different aspect of a single underlying theory, proposed by Witten, and named "M-theory". Originally the letter M in M-theory was taken from membrane, a construct designed to generalize the strings of string theory. However, as Witten was more skeptical about membranes than his colleagues, he opted for "M-theory" rather than "Membrane theory". Witten has since stated that the different interpretations of the M can be a matter of taste for the user, such as magic, mystery, and mother theory.[1] M-theory (and string theory) has been criticized for lacking predictive power or being untestable. Further work continues to find mathematical constructs that join various surrounding theories. However, the tangible success of M-theory can be questioned, given its current incompleteness and limited predictive power.[/quote]

Does Heisenbergs uncertainty principle affect the life of a third world farmer? or a first world shopworker? Nope. Not at all. It does affect how technology works, but 99.99% of all the people that will ever exist can safely not hear of it and go about their daily life. Most people aren't aware of newtons laws or thermodynamics. Which is sad, as theres a lot of beauty in them.

I agree with your comment. However I think as M Theory is mentioned it may also have a part in the movie. Peter Weyland talks as though it is common knowledge like 'the lightbulb, gunnpowder, the automobile and internet'. Also, RS doesn't normally do anything without a reason....

I'm a fan of X Theory, myself.... Giggity giggity giggity

it's a giggidy band Louis..you wouldn't understand

I believe it has something with the ability to travel at, near, or faster than the speed of light in the film. I did a bit of googling and found this: [url=http://www.cosmosmagazine.com/news/2141/dark-energy-spacecraft-could-fly-faster-light]Your text to link here...[/url] M-theory M-theory, which is as yet untested, unifies the various string theories by adding a further, 11th, dimension. Manipulating this 11th dimension [b][u]exploits a loophole in Einstein's theory of relativity[/u][/b] that says that travelling at faster-than-light speeds would take an infinite amount of energy. "String theory suggests that dimensions are globally held compact by strings wrapping around them," the researchers write in their paper. "If this is the case, it may be possible to locally increase or decrease the string tension," they theorise, changing the size of the extra dimensions. Theoretical astrophysicists think that at the beginning of time, dark energy may have driven the universe to grow at faster than light speed for a short time. Just a guess....I can give you some time / travel estimates if you are interested and how they might relate to the possible plot :)

M Theory is also the most pessimistic and maybe the most realistic answer to the Main Question : Why ?...