“Brane cosmology is a protoscience based on some of the latest thinking about the nature of reality. It is motivated by, but not rigorously derived from, superstring (Superstring theory is an attempt to explain all of the particles and fundamental forces of nature in one theory by modeling them as vibrations of tiny supersymmetric strings. It is considered one of the most promising candidate theories of quantum gravity). At present, the deepest problem in theoretical physics is harmonizing the theory of general relativity, which describes gravitation and applies to large-scale structures (stars, planets, galaxies), with quantum mechanics which describes the other three fundamental forces acting on the microscopic scale. The central concept involves “unrolling” one or more of the compact dimensions of superstring theory to form a higher-dimensional medium, called the “bulk”, in which our four-dimensional universe (one of a possibly large number of branes (the name is derived from membrane)) lies embedded. Interactions with the bulk, and possibly with other branes, can influence our brane and thus introduce effects not seen in more standard cosmological models.” from Brane_cosmology
steinhardt on Ekpyrotic universe:
other cosmological refs:
branes from the pov of relativity:
see also; Membrane Theory and Membrane Computing
“A large number of important biological processes occur within the biomembrane. These include the primary production of ATP, our sensory understanding of the outside world via the detection and interpretation of light, sound, heat, pressure and chemicals and the communication between cells such as neurons.” (M.Stowell, from http://www.colorado.edu/MCDB/MCDB5810/5810_f.html