Particle physicists may have solved a strange mystery about the muon

The puzzling behaviour of a fundamental particle called a muon, which some scientists think could be a sign of new physics, might actually be explained by our current theories. That’s according to a new calculation that its proponents say is the most precise ever. But not all physicists are convinced.

The muon is a tiny charged particle similar to the electron, but much heavier. Its electric charge makes it spin and wobble slightly when placed in a magnetic field, behaviour that can be measured as a…