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Indirect observations of a strange isotope of nitrogen, nitrogen-9, could open new avenues of understanding of nuclear theory.

A group of researchers has discovered direct evidence of a new atomic nucleus that stretches what we understand of nuclear physics. Called nitrogen-9, this isotope contains seven protons and two neutrons and only exists for one billionth of a nanosecond. That is such a minute amount of time that it is difficult for scientists to agree if this really is an atomic isotope or not.

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“Totally new physics”