Physicists Just Discovered Such an Explosive Type of Fusion They Almost Hid

Physicists Marek Karliner and Jonathan L. Rosner have discovered a new type of fusion involving quarks, which are the fundamental constituents of protons and neutrons. This fusion process, while highly energetic, has limitations that prevent it from being a viable energy source or a new form of nuclear weapon. The researchers were initially apprehensive about the implications of their findings, as the energy released from fusing heavy quarks could be substantial—up to 138 megaelectron volts. However, the instability of these quarks means they cannot be harnessed in a practical manner, as they exist only for a fraction of a second before decaying into lighter quarks. This discovery provides valuable insights into the nature of mass and energy at the quantum level, highlighting the complexities of subatomic interactions. The research was published in the journal Nature, emphasizing the ongoing exploration of fundamental physics and its potential implications.

- A new type of fusion involving quarks has been discovered by physicists.

- The energy output from this fusion is significant but impractical for energy production or weaponization.

- Heavy quarks, such as bottom quarks, decay too quickly to be used in practical applications.

- The findings enhance understanding of mass and energy at the quantum level.

- The research underscores the complexities of subatomic interactions and their implications.