Theory proposes hidden neutron decay, explains dark matter

A new theory proposes a hidden neutron decay path, potentially resolving the long-standing neutron lifetime puzzle and offering clues about dark matter. This could change our understanding of fundamental particle physics. Physicist Eugene Oks suggests neutrons sometimes decay into a hydrogen atom and a neutrino, a process undetectable by standard methods. This "second flavor" of hydrogen is invisible to regular detectors, explaining discrepancies in neutron lifetime measurements. The current understanding of neutron decay involves three particles, but this new theory suggests a two-particle decay route. This could help explain the difference in neutron lifetime measurements and potentially shed light on the nature of dark matter.