A rather unassuming particle is playing an important role in the hunt for subatomic oddities. Similar to protons and neutrons, mesons are composed of quarks bound together by the strong nuclear force.

‘Spiral of chaos must end’: Reactions to Iran’s strikes in Qatar A woman looks at an ambulance burned by Israeli attacks on a street, in Tehran, Iran, June 23, 2025. Majid Asgaripour/WANA via REUTERS ...