The atomic nucleus: fissile liquid or molecule of life?
Monday, July 30, 2012 - 13:02
in Physics & Chemistry
A new view of the nucleus that unifies its liquid and molecule-like aspects has been put forward by a team of researchers from France. By making an analogy with neutron stars, the researchers have for the first time demonstrated one of the necessary conditions for the formation of molecule-like behavior within the atomic nucleus. Such molecule-like behavior makes it possible to understand the synthesis of elements that are key to the appearance of life. The work is published in Nature on July 19, 2012.