I've heard these theoretical ideas advanced also, perhaps in writings by Richard Dawkins but I'm not sure; iirc the idea is loosely related to the concept of quantum foam but I may be mistaken.
> Quantum foam or spacetime foam is a theoretical quantum fluctuation of spacetime on very small scales due to quantum mechanics. The theory predicts that at these small scales, particles of matter and antimatter are constantly created and destroyed. These subatomic objects are called virtual particles. The idea was devised by John Wheeler in 1955.
It's important to remember though that these words, i.e. "virtual particles" are just words used to convey a-priori what are purely mathematical constructs. It in no way is declaring that such things are tangible instances (e.g. detectable in a cloud chamber or through other empirical means.)
> Quantum foam or spacetime foam is a theoretical quantum fluctuation of spacetime on very small scales due to quantum mechanics. The theory predicts that at these small scales, particles of matter and antimatter are constantly created and destroyed. These subatomic objects are called virtual particles. The idea was devised by John Wheeler in 1955.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Quantum_foam
https://www.vice.com/en/article/j5yngp/the-universe-is-made-...