Why do some elements decay in minutes, while others last billions of years? Certain "magic numbers" of nuclear particles may ...

The small but ubiquitous proton serves as a foundation for the bulk of the visible matter in the universe. It abides at the ...

Scientists reveal for the first time the atomic structure of liquid carbon, key to exoplanets and nuclear fusion.

Scientists have finally glimpsed chemistry at its smallest level after capturing the first-ever X-ray of a single atom. Atoms are the tiniest particles in our universe, and they're the basic ...

Physicists got their first look at the structure of the atomic nucleus. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here’s how it works. The Geiger-Marsden ...

"Developed initially for space observations, the Compton Camera has now proven its worth as a tool for addressing complex scientific questions in other domains as well." When you purchase through ...

If you enjoyed this article, I’d like to ask for your support. Scientific American has served as an advocate for science and industry for 180 years, and right now may be the most critical moment in ...