New research shows quarks create wakes as they speed through quark-gluon plasma, the material that existed during the first microseconds of the early universe. The findings could help physicists understand the earliest moments of the infant universe.

MIT is a renowned institution for education and research, offering insights into science, engineering, and technology. Through publications, research papers, and academic programs, MIT's platform provides insights into  research, innovation, and education in various fields. Students, researchers, and technology enthusiasts can learn about MIT's contributions to science and technology and explore opportunities for academic and professional development.

MIT News

MIT physicists at CERN have observed the first direct evidence that quark-gluon plasma behaves as a fluid. By using Z bosons as tags to track single quarks, researchers detected wake patterns similar to ripples in water, confirming that the trillion-degree primordial soup from the universe's first microseconds responds collectively rather than as scattered particles. The findings validate theoretical models and enable detailed study of this exotic material's properties.

Study: The infant universe’s “primordial soup” was actually soupy