Scientists May Have Found a Fifth Force of Nature

Scientists from Germany, Switzerland, and Australia are exploring the possible existence of a fifth force of nature.

If confirmed, this discovery could transform our understanding of physics.

Beyond the Known Four Forces

Currently, science recognizes four fundamental forces: electromagnetism, gravity, and the two nuclear forces (strong and weak).

Now, new research published in Physical Review Letters suggests that another force might exist—one that works between electrons and neutrons.

Physicists are looking for answers to questions that the Standard Model of physics does not fully explain, such as the nature of dark matter and why one type of matter dominates the universe after the Big Bang.

The idea is that new particles and fields might fill in these gaps.

One such possibility is a hypothetical particle proposed by Yukawa, which could carry this new force inside atomic nuclei.

Studying Calcium Isotopes

According to Science Alert and WP Tech, the scientists studied the behavior of electrons orbiting the nuclei of four calcium isotopes.

When electrons absorb energy, they jump to higher energy levels—a process called atomic transition. The timing of these transitions depends on the nucleus’s structure, hinting that an unknown force may be influencing the process.

In their experiments, the team examined five calcium isotopes in two different charge states and measured the atomic transitions.

Their data suggest there might be a new interaction involving a particle with a mass between 10 and 10 million electron volts.

While these results are promising, scientists caution that more precise measurements and further studies are needed.

The current data may either fit within known physics or point to Yukawa’s proposed new force.

Researchers now have a clearer direction for future investigations.