New developments in elementary-particle physics

The modern attempt at unification of all the forces in nature is based on supersymmetry. To achieve the unification of strong and electroweak forces the distinction between leptons and hadrons (quarks) must go. The fundamental symmetry of nature is the SU(3)/sub c/ gauge symmetry, where c stands for colour. There are three colours which are the basic changes of nature and act between quarks and gluons. Elementary particles are now thought to be made of quarks and gluons. The fundamental forces of nature now appear to be the superstrong (which generates strong and semi-strong forces), electroweak (generating electromagnetic, weak and superweak) and gravitational forces. (89 refs).