A groundbreaking study published in Nuclear Physics B suggests that mass may arise from the geometry of hidden extra dimensions rather than the Higgs boson, challenging long-held beliefs in particle physics. Led by Richard Pincak at the Institute of Experimental Physics SAS, this research explores the possibility that all fundamental forces and particle properties could emerge from the intricate structure of spacetime.
Pincak and his colleagues propose that the universe contains invisible dimensions, characterized as G2-manifolds, which have traditionally been viewed as static. Their research introduces the concept of these structures evolving over time through a process called the G2–Ricci flow. This dynamic evolution allows for changes in internal geometry, potentially leading to stable configurations known as solitons.
“Like organic systems such as the twisting of DNA or the handedness of amino acids, these extra-dimensional structures can possess torsion, a form of intrinsic twist,” explains Pincak. “When we let them evolve in time, we find that they can settle into stable configurations called solitons. These solitons could provide a purely geometric explanation of phenomena such as spontaneous symmetry breaking.”
In the established Standard Model of particle physics, the Higgs field is responsible for providing mass to the W and Z bosons. However, the authors of this new study suggest an alternative. They posit that mass could arise from the geometric torsion inherent in extra dimensions, eliminating the need for an additional Higgs field altogether.
“In our picture,” says Pincak, “matter emerges from the resistance of geometry itself, not from an external field.” This revolutionary theory connects torsion to the curvature of spacetime, which could also explain the positive cosmological constant responsible for cosmic expansion.
The researchers even speculate about a new particle they have named the Torstone, which could be detectable in future experiments. Their ultimate goal is to extend Albert Einstein’s vision of gravity as geometry, proposing that if gravity is geometry, perhaps all interactions are geometric as well.
Pincak asserts, “Nature often prefers simple solutions. Perhaps the masses of the W and Z bosons come not from the famous Higgs field, but directly from the geometry of seven-dimensional space.”
This study opens new avenues for understanding fundamental physics and the nature of mass, potentially reshaping our comprehension of the universe. The implications of this research could have profound effects on both theoretical physics and experimental approaches in the years to come.
For more information, refer to the original study: Richard Pinčák et al, “Introduction of the G2-Ricci flow: Geometric implications for spontaneous symmetry breaking and gauge boson masses,” Nuclear Physics B (2025). DOI: 10.1016/j.nuclphysb.2025.116959.
