Possibilities of quantum mechanics and general theories of relativity co-existing may reveal more dimensions to time and space through a new string theory, said Brian Greene, professor at Columbia University teaching physics and mathematics in Tuesday's Forum.

Greene posed profound questions of space and time and their contribution to reality.

"Space and time, the most enigmatic concepts frame the arena of reality," Greene said.

Greene went on to explain the laws that Sir Isaac Newton and Albert Einstein found. Newton devised his theories on planetary motion through a few mathematical symbols called Laws of Motion. Einstein found what Newton lacked: theories of relativity or ideas on how gravity works in a smooth and flawless way.

Greene said such ideas and theories counter quantum mechanics, which is a framework of understanding the microscopic realm.

"If the universe is examined on a tinier and tinier scale, the amount of uncertainty gets bigger and bigger," Greene said. "Way down in the microscopic realm, it is completely turbulent. That's a different picture than what Einstein said."

With the clash of quantum mechanics and relativity, Greene suggested within protons, electrons and neutrons exist a small vibrating filament or string. According to Greene, this string theory shows vibration patterns yield the different particles.

"If these ideas are correct, the universe is made of vibrating strings, vibrating musically space, time and energy into existence," Greene said. "When a particle is replaced with a string, it spreads out wild vibrations and dilutes space and time. It brings together small and big law."

Greene said the string theory predicts more than three dimensions in space and time and if validated, will be the greatest discovery in the history of science.