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Neutrinos caught on camera

A new detector technology has been developed to track elementary particles in large volumes of unsegmented scintillator material. The system uses a plenoptic camera and single-photon avalanche diode array sensors to achieve high-resolution 3D tracking, even in photon-starved conditions.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalNature Communications·DateApr 24, 2026

Advancements in muon detection: Taishan Antineutrino Observatory's innovative top veto tracker

The Taishan Antineutrino Observatory's unique plastic scintillator module design boasts exceptional performance in muon identification efficiency, surpassing 99.67% even at high thresholds. This scalable solution establishes a transferable technique for next-generation neutrino detectors requiring muon identification efficiency >99.5% ...

SourceNuclear Science and Techniques·JournalNuclear Science and Techniques·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 25, 2025

Elementary-particle detectors, 3D printed

Researchers at ETH Zurich have developed a fully additive-manufactured plastic scintillator detector for elementary particles, showcasing a significant step towards time- and cost-effective ways to build large-scale particle detectors. The detector's three-dimensional particle tracks enable more accurate neutrino tracking and analysis.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalCommunications Engineering·DateMar 11, 2025

The KM3NeT detector, a powerful telescope submerged in the depths of the Mediterranean Sea, detects the highest-energy neutrino ever observed

The KM3NeT collaboration has detected the highest-energy neutrino ever captured by a similar experiment, with an estimated energy of 220 PeV. This finding provides evidence that high-energy neutrinos are produced in the universe and opens new avenues for observing extreme astrophysical phenomena.

SourceUniversity of Granada·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 13, 2025

Using antimatter to detect nuclear radiation

Researchers developed a detector that senses and analyzes antineutrinos emitted by nuclear reactors, enabling detection of reactor use even from hundreds of miles away. The device exploits Cherenkov radiation to characterize energy profiles and can distinguish between operational cycles and specific isotopes in spent fuel.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalAIP Advances·DateOct 1, 2024

UTA scientists test for quantum nature of gravity

Researchers at UTA used ultra-high energy neutrino particles to search for signatures of quantum gravity, but found no evidence of expected quantum gravitational effects. This non-observation represents a powerful statement about the still-unknown physics operating at the interface of quantum physics and general relativity.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Arlington·JournalNature Physics·TypeObservational study·DateMay 2, 2024

New study reveals potential link between two of astronomy’s most mysterious phenomena

Researchers have discovered a possible correlation between gravitational waves from neutron star mergers and fast radio bursts, two phenomena long shrouded in mystery. The study found that an observed FRB occurred just 2 ½ hours after a neutron star merger event, suggesting a potential link between the two events.

SourceUniversity of Nevada, Las Vegas·JournalNature Astronomy·TypeObservational study·DateMar 27, 2023

Story tips: Genetic markers for autism, hiding in plain sight; Recyclable composites help drive net-zero goal; Evaluating buildings in real time; Nanoreactor grows hydrogen-storage crystals

Researchers at Oak Ridge National Laboratory have discovered genetic markers for autism, developed recyclable composites to drive the net-zero goal, and created a tool for real-time building evaluation. Additionally, they have made significant progress in growing hydrogen-storage crystals using a novel nano-reactor material.

SourceDOE/Oak Ridge National Laboratory·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 17, 2022

Lasers light up neutron generation for radiography

Researchers from Osaka University have developed a laser-driven neutron source that can generate fast neutrons in short bursts, enabling rapid imaging. The technique was used to detect hazardous substances in batteries and images materials like boron carbide.

SourceOsaka University·JournalApplied Physics Express·TypeImaging analysis·DateSep 15, 2021

Understanding ghost particle interactions

Researchers at Argonne National Laboratory develop nuclear physics model to study neutrino interactions, shedding light on why neutrinos change flavors during space or matter travel. The team's findings are crucial for understanding the universe's matter-antimatter imbalance and fundamental questions about its origins.

SourceDOE/Argonne National Laboratory·JournalPhysical Review X·DateSep 28, 2020

New neutron detector can fit in your pocket

Researchers at Northwestern University have developed a new semiconductor neutron detector that can absorb thermal neutrons and generate electrical signals. The material is highly efficient, stable, and can be used in small, portable devices for field inspections or large detectors for national security applications.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalNature·DateJan 15, 2020

The search for nothing at all

A team at Colorado State University has developed a new technique called barium tagging, which could help scientists pinpoint single-atom byproducts of double-beta decay. This breakthrough aims to solve longstanding mysteries about neutrinos and their properties.

SourceColorado State University·JournalNature·DateApr 29, 2019