Neutrino oscillation

In June 1998, Takaaki Kajita of the University of Tokyo presented strong evidence that neutrinos behave differently than predicted by the Standard Model of particles: The three known types of neutrinos apparently transform into each other, a phenomenon known as oscillation.

Shielding

Shining Cherenkov's light on Vavilov

The article on Cherenkov light in “Explain it in 60 seconds” (Aug 09) provides a concise and helpful explanation of Cherenkov radiation to readers.

Don't make us guess

In the latest symmetry, I read that, “The two-mile-long linear accelerator at SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory is the second-longest building in the world.” OK. I give up. You opened the question and gave no answer: What is the longest building in the world now?

Plans for science center in quake-damaged L'Aquila

Many towns have public science centers. But it's difficult to think of one so close to the geographic, spiritual, and cultural heart of a city as one being planned in L'Aquila, Italy.

World's deepest lab proposed in China

Chinese scientists have carved out a space in the heart of a mountain where a search for dark matter will soon begin. It's just the first taste of what they hope to do there: Create the world's largest, deepest underground laboratory.

Underground, good stories are found

Prior to 2002, very few nonscientists knew that Sudbury Neutrino Observatory laboratory, or SNOLAB, existed.

Hundreds splash through an artist's neutrino tunnel

French artist Nelly Ben Hayoun is no stranger to science.

Mining

Miners sometimes add lead nitrate to prevent this and speed things along. But is there a way to fine-tune the process to get more metal out of the ore?

Soudan Lab

Just before 7:30 on a bitter-cold morning in northern Minnesota, engineer Jim Beaty begins the last leg of his daily commute. He steps into a dark brown metal box with five coworkers. Someone slides the door closed.

Bringing dark life to light

The stunning realization that up to half of life on Earth may exist underground has transformed biologists’ thinking about the origin and evolution of life here and on other planets. The search for "dark life" could go to new depths at a proposed underground laboratory.

Gran Sasso: A tale of physics in the mountains

In an epic story of fairy-tale beauty and world-leading science, human courage and determination confront adversity and Gran Sasso laboratory comes forth to see the stars once more.