On the Coupling of Generalized Proca Fields to Degenerate Scalar-Tensor Theories

We prove that vector fields described by the generalized Proca class of theories do not admit consistent coupling with a gravitational sector defined by a scalar–tensor theory of the degenerate type. Under the assumption that there exists a frame in which the Proca field interacts with gravity only through the metric tensor, our analysis shows that at least one of the constraints associated with the degeneracy of the scalar–tensor sector is inevitably lost whenever the vector theory includes coupling with the Christoffel connection.

GW170817 event rules out general relativity in favor of vector gravity

The observation of gravitational waves by the three LIGO-Virgo interferometers allows the examination of the polarization of gravitational waves. Here, we analyze the binary neutron star event GW170817, whose source location and distance are determined precisely by concurrent electromagnetic observations. We apply a signal accumulation procedure to the LIGO-Virgo strain data and find that the measured LIGO-Livingston signal is substantially reduced in certain frequency intervals due to real-time noise subtraction. We obtain ratios of the signals detected by the three interferometers excluding these “depleted” regions from the data analysis. We find that the signal ratios are inconsistent with the tensor polarization predictions of general relativity and Einstein’s theory is ruled out at 99% confidence level. Moreover, we find that the signal ratios and distance to the source are consistent with the vector theory of gravity (Phys Scr 92:125001, 2017) and that vector GW polarization is favored over tensor polarization and scalar polarization with exponentially large Bayes factors. If, however, we erroneously include in the data analysis the frequency regions in which the Livingston signal is depleted by noise filtering, we reproduce the result of the LIGO-Virgo collaboration favoring tensor GW polarization over vector polarization with an exponentially large Bayes factor.

Understanding SARS-CoV-2 features of infectivity, aggressiveness, and transmissibility: an insect-vector theory for SARS-CoV-2 dissemination

The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is a ribonucleic acid–based (RNA-based) lineage B β-coronavirus characterized by 10-20 times higher infectivity and transmissibility even across species than previous coronaviruses. The significant infectivity rate of SARS-CoV-2 is due to its different host cell entry mechanisms that are mainly via angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) receptors contrasting earlier coronaviruses that used mainly the endosomal route. Due to the widespread distribution of ACE2 receptors throughout our body, various routes of infectivity are possible, highlighting the necessity of employing multiple forms of protection besides face masks to limit inter-human transmissibility. SARS-CoV-2 exhibits other remarkable features such as the ability to escape the immune system repeated genomic mutations that make it difficult to design a vaccine to address all viral strains and form huge host cell syncytia leading to massive tissue destruction. If we accept SARS-CoV-2 primary reservoir from bats, we should investigate the routes of viral inter-species propagation. In this article, a new theory is proposed- that the dissemination of the virus from the bats to other species and humans could have been possible via an insect vector, as insects possess significant amounts of both ACE2 receptors and a disintegrin and metalloprotease 17 (ADAM-17) enzymes that are essential for virus infectivity. .