Speculative Fact #278: Semi-metal Conducts Elusive New Particle

We’ve all heard about the more conventional particles in school: electrons, protons, neutrons. Contemporary particle physics, with technology like the amazing LHC at CERN, has transformed our understanding of nature with things like the discovery of the Higgs-Boson particle.
            Hypothetical particles known as Weyl fermions were discovered earlier this year in a semimetal material called tantalum arsenide. These odd particles are like electrons in that they have charge, but unlike electrons have no mass. Combined with tantalum arsenide’s unique properties, researchers are predicting that this discovery will make its impact on future electronics.
            If your story is tech-oriented or just needs some good technobabble to sell a plot’s much needed MacGuffin, keep your eyes on this development – it seems ripe with possibilities.

-Jonathan Hernandez

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