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Physics

Neutrino speed errors dash exotic physics dreams

By Lisa Grossman

29 February 2012

New Scientist. Science news and long reads from expert journalists, covering developments in science, technology, health and the environment on the website and the magazine.

Down to the wire?

(Image: LNGS)

EXTRA dimensions. Time travel. Tachyons. These ideas seemed a little more likely in the wake of claims that subatomic particles called neutrinos had moved faster than light – violating a cornerstone of physics laid down by Einstein. Now, just a few months later, the universe is back to its slightly more mundane self.

The collaboration behind the original claims has discovered two flaws during the retesting of its experiment, called OPERA. These flaws did not definitely affect the results, but offer the most concrete basis yet for doubting that the neutrinos were actually speeding.…

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