Articles tagged with Neutrons
Physicists have made the most precise measurement yet of a neutron's lifetime, revealing that it lives 14.629 minutes with an uncertainty of 0.005 minutes. This result brings scientists closer to understanding why two previous methods disagree and could provide evidence for new physics.
Researchers at Jefferson Lab discovered a thinner neutron skin around calcium nuclei than expected, contrasting with lead measurements. This finding presents an opportunity for further exploration into the underlying reasons for this difference.
Scientists have made the second-ever measurement of the free neutron lifetime from space, reducing uncertainty by an order of magnitude. This method could bring to an end a decades-long puzzle in fundamental physics and potentially reveal new physics beyond the standard model.
A new experiment measures the neutron skin in a calcium nucleus, shedding light on proton-neutron interactions. The results will be presented at the 2021 Fall Meeting of the APS Division of Nuclear Physics.
An international team of researchers has made the world's most precise measurement of the neutron's lifetime, which may help answer questions about the early universe. The results represent a more than two-fold improvement over previous measurements, with an uncertainty of less than one-tenth of a percent.
Researchers from Shibaura Institute of Technology synthesized atropisomeric N-aryl quinazoline-4-thiones, showing unprecedented isotopic atropisomerism due to rotational restriction around an N-Ar bond. The findings support the formation of diastereomers and have potential applications in pharmaceuticals.
Physicists have developed a groundbreaking theory, LaMET, to calculate the quark and gluon structure of protons traveling at the speed of light. This breakthrough resolves limitations in existing lattice quantum chromodynamics (QCD) theories, allowing for predictions on proton structure that can be tested by future experiments.
The 2021 Fall Meeting of the APS Division of Nuclear Physics presents cutting-edge research on nuclear astrophysics, quantum technology, and rare isotopes. Researchers will discuss breakthroughs such as the most precise measurement of neutron lifetime and novel experiments measuring neutron skin in calcium.
Researchers have discovered a new technique to locate the diffusion wake's signal in the quark-gluon plasma, a subatomic soup that flowed like a friction-free fluid after the Big Bang. This breakthrough may help scientists understand how matter emerged from this perfect fluid.
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.
Researchers used a neutron beam to perform pendellösung interferometry on silicon, achieving the highest precision measurements to date. The technique provided insights into the crystal's mechanical and thermal properties, as well as the neutron's charge radius and short-range forces.
Scientists propose EicC to investigate quark and gluon contributions to nucleon spin and mass, as well as novel multi-particle dynamics. The recently released white paper outlines physics goals, detector design, and accelerator specifications.
Researchers at Nagoya City University find a fourfold increase in surface deuterium atoms on nanocrystalline silicon, paving the way for sustainable deuterium enrichment protocols. The efficient exchange reaction could lead to more durable semiconductor technology and potentially purify tritium contaminated water.
Physicists at MIT have successfully measured a neutron's tiny effect in a radioactive molecule, revealing small nuclear effects and providing a chance to search for subtle symmetry violations related to dark matter and the Big Bang. The team used heavy radioactive molecules with extreme sensitivity to nuclear phenomena.
Researchers have reduced the discrepancy between theoretical and observed amounts of lithium by around 10% thanks to a new experiment. The study used particle beams, detectors, and an observational method called the Trojan horse to scrutinize one of the Big Bang nucleosynthesis reactions.
Researchers at Osaka University have discovered an excited neon state that exists in neon-20, providing evidence for a predicted nuclear state. This discovery may help explain the nature of low-density nucleon many-body systems and the activity of neutron stars.
Researchers at Shinshu University and the National Polar Research Institute found a Forbush decrease in cosmic ray counts during a CME event, but the CR density exceeded its original level before exiting the Magnetic Flux Rope. The high-speed solar wind caused this unusual enhancement of CR density through local compression of the MFR.
The new Gluon Exchange Model (GEM) describes protons as complex systems with virtual quark-antiquark pairs, challenging the concept of stable diquarks. GEM predicts the disintegration of diquarks in certain collisions, offering a new perspective on proton interactions.
A research team has successfully measured tritium production rates in a water-cooled ceramic breeder blanket mock-up, validating its design and function under D-T neutron environment. The experimental results are in good agreement with Monte Carlo simulations, meeting the requirements for tritium self-sustaining in future fusion reactors.
Research using neutrons reveals a connection between lithium concentration and depression, with healthier individuals having more lithium in their gray matter. The findings suggest that lithium may play an important role in the body, with implications for therapy and understanding of physiological processes.
Researchers from Rijksmuseum Boerhaave Leiden and TU Delft used neutron tomography to examine a highly magnifying specimen without damaging it. The findings reveal that Van Leeuwenhoek's lenses were made using a common production method, contradicting long-held assumptions about his 'secret' technique.
Researchers characterized how electronic states depend on local chemical composition in a compound containing iron, tellurium, and selenium. They discovered that low iron concentration leads to superconductivity and distinct magnetic correlations, while high tellurium concentration creates a topological surface state.
Analysis of data from a lightning mapper and radiation detector revealed neutrons generated from soil by large cosmic-ray showers, matching simulations that included both hadrons and gamma rays. This discovery suggests natural phenomena producing ground-pointed gamma-rays could produce similar neutron burst signatures.
Researchers made a precise measurement of the lead nucleus's neutron skin, revealing it's thicker than expected. This thickness has implications for the physical processes in neutron stars and their size.
Researchers at Umeå University used neutron reflexometry and NMR spectroscopy to study full-length human Bcl-2 protein, revealing its membrane localization and conformation. The results suggest that Bcl-2 exerts its cell-protective function by inhibiting cell-killing proteins at the membrane interface.
A research team has successfully used neutrons to non-destructively detect internal stress in complex 3D-printed components. The innovation could lead to energy-saving gas turbines by optimizing production processes and reducing destructive stresses.
Researchers have made significant progress in understanding the stellar beta-decay rate of 59Fe, which is essential for predicting the yield of 60Fe in massive stars. By measuring this rate, they eliminated a major nuclear uncertainty and found that the yield of 60Fe is 40% less than previously predicted.
Researchers at Chinese Academy of Sciences discover abnormal enhancement of α-particle clustering in uranium isotopes, revealing strong proton-neutron interaction influence on α-decay properties. The study reveals systematics trends and anomalies in α-decay reduced widths for polonium-plutonium nuclei near shell closure.
Researchers from University of Bath and ISIS Neutron and Muon Source invent technique to directly measure amyloid fibril growth rate in solution. This breakthrough is crucial for understanding the diseases associated with amyloid fibrils, which are deposits of proteins linked to Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, and Type 2 diabetes.
Researchers observed complete atomic structure of MnSOD and tracked proton movements using neutron scattering, revealing cyclic proton transfers between amino acids and solvent molecules. The findings open avenue for studying other electron-transfer enzymes.
Researchers at the University of Bath used resonance in spiraling neutron stars to measure symmetry energy, a key property of nuclear matter. This discovery sheds light on the fundamental workings of nuclei and offers insights into the forces that bind sub-atomic particles.
Researchers at Washington University in St. Louis have observed a new form of fluorine, the isotope 13F, which has four fewer neutrons than the naturally occurring stable isotope 19F. This discovery was made using a charge-exchange reaction mechanism, allowing scientists to create a previously inaccessible isotope with exotic properties.
Researchers used neutron scattering to investigate interactions between telaprevir and the SARS-CoV-2 main protease, discovering unforeseen changes in electric charges that were not predicted by computer simulations. This finding suggests that assumptions about binding behaviors should be based on individual atom-level observations rat...
Scientists demonstrate precise positioning of transition-metal dopants in graphene, opening doors to exotic electronic, magnetic, and topological properties. Meanwhile, a new diamond anvil pressure cell enables high-pressure science not possible elsewhere, revealing insights into super-hydrides and earth-core pressure conditions.
A team of researchers used radioactivity in meteorites to study the cosmic origin of heaviest elements, shedding light on violent stellar explosions. The study found that specific astronomical events, such as neutron star collisions, likely created these heavy elements.
A new study uses neutron scattering to investigate casein micelles in milk, aiming to develop a better understanding of dairy products. The researcher successfully applied their model to existing data and found that even skimmed milk has complex structures at the nanoscale.
A series of experiments at the ALTO particle accelerator facility revealed that fragments resulting from nuclear fission obtain intrinsic angular momentum after fission, not before. The study analyzed gamma rays emitted in the process and found a saw-tooth dependence of spin on fragment mass.
Researchers at the University of Innsbruck have elucidated the crystal structure of exotic ice XIX, a new ordered variant of high-pressure ice VI. This breakthrough discovery reveals new insights into the electrical properties of these unusual ice forms and paves the way for further experimentation to study their properties.
Researchers used quantum annealing to simulate magnetic materials, matching theoretical predictions and resembling experimental data. The study provides a foundation for future materials science research and demonstrates the potential of quantum computers in tackling complex problems.
Researchers from University of Jyväskylä studied nuclear charge radii of exotic potassium isotopes using collinear resonance ionization spectroscopy. The results showed that the potassium isotope with a neutron number of 32 does not conform to magic neutron number criteria, challenging current understanding of nuclear forces.
Researchers at GSI Helmholtzzentrum für Schwerionenforschung investigate flerovium, element 114, and find it lacks a predicted 'magic' shell structure. This challenges the search for the island of stability in element 114 and shifts focus to heavier elements.
The COHERENT experiment at Oak Ridge National Laboratory has established a new kind of neutrino interaction, coherent elastic neutrino-nucleus scattering. The discovery confirms earlier observations and provides constraints on alternative theoretical models, shedding light on the universe's nature.
A team of scientists has found evidence of alpha clusters in heavy nuclei, which challenges our understanding of neutron star structure and nuclear interactions. The discovery provides new insights into the process of alpha decay and has important implications for the study of neutron stars and their role in the universe.
Researchers used innovative methods to calculate limits of atomic nuclei up to medium-mass nuclei, revealing new isotopes and a roadmap for verification. The study provides insights into the structure of neutron-rich nuclei and their existence, shedding light on fundamental interactions.
Scientists found two secondary minima in the potential energy landscape of nickel-64, corresponding to oblate and prolate ellipsoidal shapes. The prolate one is deep and well-isolated, leading to a prolonged trapping time, unlike heavy nuclei.
Researchers at Oak Ridge National Laboratory have accelerated a research engine that provides an unprecedented view inside the atomic-level workings of combustion engines in real time. The engine, built to run on a neutron beam line, allows investigation of structural changes in new alloys designed for high-temperature, advanced combus...
Researchers are using neutron scattering to study how the coronavirus interacts with human cells and develop treatments that target the cell membrane. By understanding how the virus enters cells, scientists hope to create therapies that can slow down viral infection and reduce its harmful effects.
An MIT-led team simulates nuclear interactions, finding a universal short-range pairing behavior that applies to all types of atomic nuclei. This discovery helps investigate neutron stars and heavy radioactive nuclei.
Researchers from TUM have visualized the changes in bottle-brush polymers using neutron radiation, enabling a deeper understanding of their behavior at different temperatures. This knowledge can be used to optimize their chemical structure for practical applications.
Researchers at ORNL used neutron scattering to create a three-dimensional map of the SARS-CoV-2 enzyme molecule critical to virus reproduction. The study reveals the location of every atom in the protease enzyme, enabling the design of more specific and effective drug inhibitors.
Researchers from GSI Helmholtzzentrum für Schwerionenforschung GmbH produce the hitherto unknown nucleus mendelevium-244, an odd-odd nucleus consisting of 101 protons and 143 neutrons. The study reveals puzzling short-lived fission activity in this nucleus.
Researchers have found a new magnetar with a pulsation period of 1.36 seconds, showing spin-down behavior suggesting rotation-powered pulsar emissions. The discovery reveals a missing link between magnetars and rotation-powered pulsars, providing new insights into neutron stars with high magnetic fields.
Researchers have precisely measured the weak interaction between protons and neutrons, yielding the smallest uncertainty in comparable measurements. The experiment uses a novel apparatus to detect subatomic products and overcome background noise, revealing key findings about the Standard Model of Particle Physics.
A new membrane model has shown that proteins can change profoundly in different lipid environments, opening up a new area of research. The team used x-ray and neutron scattering to confirm the artificial membrane's structure and revealed unique information about the lipid-protein relationships.
Researchers at PSI have successfully created and visualised antiferromagnetic skyrmions with a unique property: critical elements arranged in opposing directions. This discovery is a major step towards developing new technologies, such as more efficient computers.
A new study led by Assistant Professor Rana Ashkar of Virginia Tech Department of Physics finds that cholesterol actually does adhere to biophysical principles and causes membrane stiffening.
Researchers developed a machine learning model to predict pandemic impact on fuel demand, analyzing mobility patterns and historical weekly motor travel trends. In another study, scientists found extraordinary fine-root growth with increasing temperatures in northern peatlands, indicating a previously hidden belowground mechanism that ...
Researchers at the University of Leeds and Tohoku University have measured magnon polarisation, a theoretical idea in physics for almost 100 years. The findings pave the way for building low-energy devices using spintronics.
The study used neutron spectroscopy to measure lattice vibrations in ultra-thin alumina particles, confirming theoretical predictions. The findings have implications for controlling heat transfer through ultra-thin materials, potentially benefiting electronics and future spacecraft designs.
Dien Nguyen investigates nucleon interactions at short distances in both heavy and light nuclei during her fellowship. Her research will expand on previous findings, providing insights into neutron stars and the behavior of protons and neutrons inside atomic nuclei.