Scientists have made a groundbreaking discovery linking the fundamental laws of physics to the conditions necessary for life. Their research indicates that even minor alterations in certain physical constants could significantly impact the flow of liquids, which is essential for biological processes.
The findings, published in Science Advances, are the result of work by physicist Kostya Trachenko at Queen Mary University of London. His theoretical analysis identified that fundamental physical constants must allow liquids to flow in a manner that supports vital life processes within and between cells.
This research raises an intriguing question: Why do the values of nature’s fundamental laws seem so closely aligned with the requirements for life?
Understanding Fundamental Physical Constants
Fundamental constants, such as the mass and electric charge of an electron and the Planck constant, govern the universe’s operations. They are considered universal and stable over time, influencing everything from atomic behavior to the nuclear reactions that create elements essential for life.
Despite their critical role, scientists remain uncertain about why these constants assume their specific values. An important clue emerged in 2020, when Trachenko and his team found that these constants impose a lower limit on the viscosity of liquids. Viscosity measures a fluid’s resistance to flow, with substances like water having low viscosity and materials like honey being much thicker.
The current research builds on this concept by exploring its implications for living organisms. For life to thrive, molecules must move efficiently within cells, allowing nutrients to reach their destinations and enabling essential chemical reactions to occur in a liquid environment. Diffusion, the spreading of particles through a fluid, is crucial for these functions.
Trachenko noted that if the viscosity of essential fluids changes significantly, it could disrupt these vital processes. He explained, “If fundamental constants change, viscosity would change too, impacting life as we know it. For example, if water was as viscous as tar, life would not exist in its current form.” This principle could extend to any liquid-based life forms that may exist elsewhere in the universe.
Trachenko emphasized that even a small change in fundamental constants could adversely affect the flow of liquids necessary for life. He predicts that the range of constants compatible with cellular life is likely very narrow, as slight variations could render essential bodily functions unmanageable.
Furthermore, the same constants that influence liquid dynamics also govern the nuclear reactions responsible for the formation of heavy elements in stars, which are critical for life. Trachenko’s analysis suggests that while fundamental constants must be in specific ranges to support complex chemistry, they also impact the physical properties of liquids that support life.
In a follow-up study, published in January 2025 in The European Physical Journal E, Trachenko and his colleagues investigated how these constants influence complex biological fluids like blood. The viscosity of blood is intricately affected by both its molecular structure and how its components interact, remaining surprisingly close to theoretical values determined by physical constants.
Looking ahead, Trachenko’s research raises deeper questions about the reasons behind the specific values of fundamental constants and whether they have evolved. He speculates that separate forms of fine-tuning may explain how different physical processes cooperate to create conditions suitable for life.
The connection between liquid properties and fundamental physics could provide new avenues for investigating one of the most profound mysteries of science: the compatibility of our universe’s physical laws with the existence of life.
