Hacker News new | past | comments | ask | show | jobs | submit login

The fine-structure constant is only just known to that degree of precision. How far different it would have to be to interfere with known chemistry is much larger, maybe even a half-percent: that is, a half-billion times more than suggested.

We don't know what else could form, instead, with a different value; maybe even a better basis for life than what we got.




Consider applying for YC's Spring batch! Applications are open till Feb 11.

Guidelines | FAQ | Lists | API | Security | Legal | Apply to YC | Contact

Search: