I posted this here rather than in another section as it is just about mainstream science. And I admit I only read the article because of the use of the word 'why' in the headline (rather than 'how'). The idea of a race had me thinking that perhaps if they can't answer the question of why we are here, perhaps the Earth might cease to exist. But that's just me and the topic itself is rather less philosophical.
Quote:Inside a laboratory nestled above the mist of the forests of South Dakota, scientists are searching for the answer to one of science's biggest questions: why does our Universe exist?
They are in a race for the answer with a separate team of Japanese scientists – who are several years ahead.
The current theory of how the Universe came into being can't explain the existence of the planets, stars and galaxies we see around us. Both teams are building detectors that study a sub-atomic particle called a neutrino in the hope of finding answers.
The US-led international collaboration is hoping the answer lies deep underground, in the aptly named Deep Underground Neutrino Experiment (Dune).
![[Image: 3f0a1e90-309a-11f0-96c3-cf669419a2b0.png]](https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/ace/standard/976/cpsprodpb/1d88/live/3f0a1e90-309a-11f0-96c3-cf669419a2b0.png)