Heavier Proton Discovered at LHC
4 hours ago
- #Cern
- #Funding Cuts
- #Particle Physics
- Scientists at Cern discovered a heavier version of the proton, named Xi-cc-plus, which is four times heavier than a regular proton.
- The discovery was made using the upgraded Large Hadron Collider (LHC) detector, which recreates conditions similar to those after the Big Bang.
- The newfound particle helps refine understanding of the strong nuclear force, which binds atomic nuclei together.
- The Xi-cc-plus particle contains two charm quarks instead of up quarks and decays extremely quickly.
- UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) faces criticism for plans to cut £50m funding for the LHCb's final upgrade in the 2030s.
- UK scientists in particle physics, astronomy, and nuclear physics are experiencing grant cuts due to cost overruns at major facilities.
- Chi Onwurah, chair of the Commons science committee, criticized the funding cuts as 'wholly unacceptable' and demanded swift action.