My thoughts are that if we can measure [Thing A] sufficiently precisely, we can figure out a way to impact/harness [Thing A], regardless of what it actually is.

My thoughts are that if we can measure [Thing A] sufficiently precisely, we can figure out a way to impact/harness [Thing A], regardless of what it actually is. Therefore, it's just a matter of developing appropriately advanced technology to be able to impact the base laws of physics. I think it's harder to get to that point than anyone could ever imagine just because of the natural tendency for species to destroy themselves. I think that Ringworld had that part right - any species that is sufficiently advanced to be interstellar travelers would absolutely have to be able to identify, and nullify, naturally selected traits about themselves.