The M framework...does contain ingredient besides (one dimensional) strings...there are objects with p spatial dimensions...where p can be any whole number less than 10...p branes a are significantly heavier than strings
Branes, short for membranes, are theoretical objects in string theory that represent higher-dimensional spaces in which strings can exist. They are essentially surfaces or boundaries on which strings can either start or end, and they play a crucial role in understanding the behavior of string theory.
There are two main types of branes in string theory: D-branes and NS-branes. D-branes are objects that can be described by open strings, while NS-branes are objects that can be described by closed strings. These two types of branes interact with each other and play a crucial role in the dynamics of string theory.
Branes are important in string theory because they provide a way to incorporate gravity into the theory. They also allow for the existence of higher-dimensional spaces, which can help explain the fundamental forces of nature. Additionally, branes play a key role in the holographic principle, which suggests that our three-dimensional universe may be a projection of a higher-dimensional space.
Branes and particles are fundamentally different objects in string theory. Particles are zero-dimensional objects described by points in space, while branes are higher-dimensional objects described by surfaces or boundaries. Additionally, particles exist in a fixed number of dimensions, while branes can exist in any number of dimensions.
As branes exist in higher-dimensional spaces, they cannot be directly observed or detected in our three-dimensional world. However, their effects can be indirectly observed through experiments and observations in particle physics and cosmology. Additionally, some theories suggest that branes may be responsible for the formation of black holes, which can potentially be observed through gravitational waves.