[Raro]

Very much! We periodically update our understanding.

For example, we only knew basic details about the strong nuclear force from the 1910s, and the empirical ingredients for the weak force weren't around until the 1930s.

We still have very little idea of what mediates dark energy, as well as dark matter interactions (potentially, depending on your favorite model for DM). We know they interact gravitationally, at least.

Edit: I meant to say it's something of a cosmic accident that we don't interact more or a lot less with the nuclear forces. We are 'lucky' we get to interact with electromagnetic forces so easily.

[ridiculous_fish]

Dragon's Egg is a fun hard-sci-fi book about a neutron star. On this star, life evolves with chemistry based on the strong nuclear force instead of EM.

[Raro]

Oh cool!

Thank you. I am always looking for decent sci-fi recommendations.