Quantum chromodynamics

A graphic showing the lateral motion of a quark (the green ball) inside a proton whose spin is aligned with its direction of motion (the big yellow arrow). Credit: Valerie Lentz, Brookhaven Lab.

Groundbreaking calculations reveal the hidden motion of quarks inside protons

A new theoretical method enables more accurate calculations of the three-dimensional motion of quarks, and leads to a deeper understanding of the dynamics of the proton spin
The early universe immediately after the big bang, with a chaotic background of energy and particles. Small, dense black holes, some the size of an atom, are scattered throughout the image. These black holes are described with a "color charge" aura, symbolizing the unique property of quarks and gluons. Around the black holes is a cosmic landscape of quark-gluon plasma, with hints of the beginnings of proton and neutron formation. The image was prepared using DALEE and is not a scientific image

Exotic black holes may be a byproduct of dark matter

Fifty years ago, physicist Stephen Hawking proposed that dark matter might be a population of black holes, which may have formed shortly after the Big Bang. They also existed for a short time but had an impact on