In 1666 Isaac Newton began research which eventually lead to his realization that light was likely made up of individual particles, later known as photons, that appeared to also have wave-like properties. Over 200 years later, this idea plus Newton’s Universal Law of Gravity and his invention of calculus lead to physics beyond what is now known as Newtonian physics: specifically, string theory.
Why does this matter? To anyone involved in the science fiction genre, accurately incorporating the latest science knowledge is important so your story has credibility.
Physicist Michio Kaku’s down-to-earth video about Newton, string theory, and the future of our universe.