Jun 08 2026SCIENCE
Counting atoms with protons: A fresh way to check iridium isotopes
Scientists have a new trick for counting rare iridium atoms without breaking them. Instead of dissolving the metal or heating it, they fire protons at iridium samples inside a small accelerator. When a proton brushes past an iridium nucleus, the nucleus wobbles and releases a burst of gamma rays. Ea
reading time less than a minute
