[Physicist]

M theory is an elaboration of the Big Bang theory.

?

M theory is a generalization of string theory.

[RightWhale]

Yes, but string theory is part of the Big Bang theory. In particular, the nonuniformity of the cosmic background radiation is taken to be a magnification of the early conditions.

Do you know why the size of the universe by the inflation model is commonly ignored in popularizations? Is it that the size of the universe out to the visible limit is already incomprehensible and considering the whole universe beyond that would short-circuit most minds?