Topic: Particle Physics

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Bizarre cosmic ray mystery deepens (+video)

Humongous space explosions known as gamma ray bursts have been ruled out as a source of the universe's most intense cosmic rays, a new study has found.
Attempting to recreate Big Bang conditions, CERN scientists break energy record

Scientists at CERN may be getting closer to Higgs boson the particle that could help explain the birth of the universe billions of years ago.
Retest of neutrino speed suggests Einstein was right, after all (+video)

An attempt to replicate experiments last year in which neutrinos were measured moving faster than light has clocked the ethereal particles traveling within the cosmic speed limit, suggesting that Einstein's special theory of relativity still holds up.
Neutrinos slower than light, but continue to befuddle physicists

A recent experiment has demonstrated that neutrinos do not, in fact, travel faster than light. But this ethereal subatomic particle continues to undermine established physical models in other ways.
Tiny particles send a message for the first time (+video)

Scientists have used neutrinos to send a message. This may be the first step toward a new form of communication.
Are scientists close to uncovering the Higgs boson?

Researchers analyzing data from Fermilab's now-defunct Tevatron particle accelerator say that they may have glimpsed evidence of the elusive Higgs boson, the so-called God particle thought to be responsible for giving all other particles mass.
Higgs boson hunt approaching 'end game' say scientists (+video)

Higgs boson: The hunt for the elusive Higgs boson – the so-called God Particle thought to be responsible for giving objects mass – may soon come to an end, as scientists at Fermilab reported that they had glimpsed what look like signs of the particle.
Higgs boson coming into focus, say scientists (+video)

Higgs boson: The hunt for the Higgs boson, the so-called God Particle, continues. But in a study released today, scientists say they're getting closer to proving the existence of Higgs boson, but the image is 'fuzzy.'
Faster-than-light neutrinos? Why nobody is surprised it might be an error.

Last year, European particle physicists observed neutrinos apparently traveling faster than the speed of light. But now it seems that it was a bad measurement, which is no surprise to the physics community.
Einstein vindicated? Neutrinos probably not faster than light. (+video)

Researchers last year thought they witnessed neutrinos traveling faster than light – overturning a fundamental tenet of Einstein's Theory of Special Relativity. Now, they're not so sure.
Did CERN's neutrinos break the cosmic speed limit? Faulty wiring could be more likely.

Last year CERN researchers clocked neutrinos moving faster than light, in an apparent violation of the laws of physics. Now it seems that it was actually a bad measurement caused by a loose fiber optic cable.
Why Einstein's special theory of relativity is probably still correct

Last year, European physicists measured a neutrino moving faster than light, in apparent violation of our current understanding of physics. Now it turns out it could be a bad measurement caused by a loose fiber optic cable.
Loose cable could explain 'faster-than-light' neutrinos

Experiments conducted in Europe in September and November appeared to show neutrinos violating Einstein's theory of special relativity. But now scientists suspect it could be a faulty measurement caused by bad connection.
Chapter & Verse
Robert Harris's "The Fear Index" makes a thriller out of a man sitting at a computer

Robert Harris, the author of 'The Ghost,' discusses his new financial page-turner "The Fear Index" and his predilection for writing about ancient Rome.
Will 2012 be the year scientists find the 'God Particle'? (+video)

Researchers at CERN are cranking up the power on their Large Hadron Collider, in a last-ditch attempt to uncover the Higgs Boson, the so-called God Particle thought to be responsible for giving matter the property of mass. This will be their last chance to find the elusive particle before the particle-smasher is shut down for an upgrade.
The Daily Reckoning
Are gold prices dropping for good?

Gold prices have dropped 20 percent since September, and some experts think it's time to give up on the gold market as prices continue to fall. But if another financial crisis hits, investors will once again be clamoring for gold.
On the Economy
'Job creating' particle accelerators?

These days, attaching the words "jobs creator" to any policy is a surefire way to get it passed. But the practice has gotten ridiculous.
Russian customs seize Iran-bound radioactive metal

The Federal Customs Service said in a statement that its agents found 18 pieces of metal at Moscow's Sheremetyevo airport after a radiation alert went on. It says the gauges showed that radiation levels were 20 times higher than normal.
Elusive Higgs boson particle running out of hiding places

Today's announcement was highly anticipated by both the physics community and the public, with speculation running rampant in the days leading up to it that the elusive particle may have finally been found.
Higgs boson: What scientists are saying about the 'God particle'

Scientists at CERN say that they are closing in on the Higgs boson, the elusive subatomic particle that, if discovered, could help explain why particles have mass. Here's what some of the world's leading physicists have to say about the announcement.
Why do objects have mass? The elusive Higgs boson could hold the key.

Scientists at CERN say that they are closing in on demonstrating the existence of the elusive Higgs boson – the theoretical subatomic particle that could explain why particles have mass.
Why is the Higgs boson so important?

Physicists at CERN are increasingly confident that they have discovered the elusive Higgs boson – the so-called 'God particle' that is thought to be a key component of our understanding of the cosmos. Why does the Higgs boson matter?
Higgs boson: Physicists close in on the 'God particle'

At a seminar at CERN in Geneva Tuesday, two groups using independent means for seeking the Higgs boson reported seeing tantalizing hints of the presence of the 'God particle.'
Higgs boson 'God particle' close to capture, scientists say

Scientists are closer to capturing the elusive Higgs boson 'God particle,' the missing piece of the governing theory of the universe's tiniest building blocks.
Higgs boson: Has the 'God particle' been found?

Scientists at CERN are expected to report Tuesday seeing hints of the long-sought Higgs boson – the so-called 'God particle' linked to a mechanism that gives other subatomic particles their mass.