!["Mystery": New particle measurement appears to contradict our understanding of the universe, scientists say](https://cbsnews1.cbsistatic.com/hub/i/r/2022/04/08/9dba161e-ba5f-4269-86e7-6060d3ee4859/thumbnail/1200x630/503e0e06a5fa2e5bc31eec56563bc61d/gettyimages-615299834.jpg)
"Mystery": New particle measurement appears to contradict our understanding of the universe, scientists say
CBSN
After a decade of meticulous measurements, scientists announced Thursday that a fundamental particle -- the W boson -- has a significantly greater mass than theorized, shaking the foundations of our understanding of how the universe works.
Those foundations are grounded by the Standard Model of particle physics, which is the best theory scientists have to describe the most basic building blocks of the universe, and what forces govern them.
The W boson is an electrically charged fundamental particle that governs what is called the weak force, one of the four fundamental forces of nature, and therefore a pillar of the standard model.
![](/newspic/picid-6252001-20250216030556.jpg)
This story previously aired on Feb. 10, 2024. It was updated on Feb. 15, 2025. AMIE HARWICK (video): You can seek therapy to address an issue like depression, anxiety, a breakup. You can also seek therapy to be a better you! GARETH PURSEHOUSE (voicemail): I have so much I need to say. Please give me a chance to just say it. … Please (crying) please.
![](/newspic/picid-6252001-20250216003423.jpg)
Signaling a major shift in civil rights enforcement, the federal agency that enforces workplace anti-discrimination laws has moved to dismiss six of its own cases on behalf of workers alleging gender identity discrimination, arguing that the cases now conflict with President Donald Trump's recent executive order, court documents say.