Wormholes without exotic matter? Higher-order gravity might allow it

Standard general relativity forces traversable wormholes to violate energy conditions, demanding exotic matter that likely doesn't exist. By adding quantum-motivated higher-derivative terms to Einstein's equations, the authors show these corrections contribute to the effective stress-energy at the wormhole throat, reducing or eliminating the need for exotic matter entirely. It's not a proof wormholes exist — but it narrows the gap between wormhole physics and physical plausibility.