Space Astronomy Cosmology ‘The chances of you living 50 years are very small’: Theoretical physicist explains why humanity likely won’t survive to see all the forces unified MEMBER EXCLUSIVE Interview By Tia Ghose published yesterday Live Science spoke with Nobel prize-winning physicist David Gross, who recently received the $3 million Special Breakthrough Prize in Fundamental Physics, about the quest to unite all the forces and why humanity might not live to see a unified theory.

An illustration of two particles as glowing geodesic shapes surrounded be halos of pink, yellow and blue light The quest to unite gravity with the other three forces has long plagued physicists. Whether we eventually devise a testable “unified” theory remains to be seen. (Image credit: koto_feja via Getty Ima Create a free Live Science Plus account to continue unlimited reading — it’s quick, easy and gives you access to member-only benefits.

JOIN NOW Already have an account? Sign in here TOPICS Nobel Prize Tia Ghose Tia Ghose Editor-in-Chief (Premium) Tia is the editor-in-chief (premium) and was formerly managing editor and senior writer for Live Science. Her work has appeared in Scientific American, Wired.com, Science News and other outlets. She holds a master’s degree in bioengineering from the University of Washington, a graduate certificate in science writing from UC Santa Cruz and a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from the University of Texas at Austin. Tia was part of a team at the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel that published the Empty Cradles series on preterm births, which won multiple awards, including the 2012 Casey Medal for Meritorious Journalism.

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