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CERN Discovers New Particle Amid Funding Controversy

3/18/2026

Summary

Story summary

Scientists at the European Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN) near Geneva discovered Xi-cc-plus, a heavier version of the proton.
Researchers detected Xi-cc-plus at the Large Hadron Collider after upgrading the LHCb detector.
The discovery could deepen understanding of the strong nuclear force.
UK Research and Innovation plans a £50 million cut to LHCb's final upgrade, drawing criticism from Chi Onwurah who calls the move "wholly unacceptable" and demands urgent action.

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Story summary

Scientists at the European Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN) near Geneva discovered Xi-cc-plus, a heavier version of the proton.
Researchers detected Xi-cc-plus at the Large Hadron Collider after upgrading the LHCb detector.
The discovery could deepen understanding of the strong nuclear force.
UK Research and Innovation plans a £50 million cut to LHCb's final upgrade, drawing criticism from Chi Onwurah who calls the move "wholly unacceptable" and demands urgent action.