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So, this is probably what you think of when you picture an atom, right?
那么，这可能是你对原子的想象，对吧？
The thing is, the central part of this model is just plain inaccurate.
问题是，这个模型的中心部分是很不准确的。
Scientists recently found the nucleus of some atoms don't look like this at all,
科学家们最近发现了一些原子，它们的内核看起来并非如此，
and it's causing a ruckus because well, this newfound shape straight up shouldn't exist.
此事引起了骚动，因为这个新发现所描述的形状本不应存在。
When you learned about atoms in school, you probably learned about a couple of different models--
当你在学校里学习原子时，你可能学到了一些不同的模型——
and one thing was likely always the same- the nucleus was spherical.
但有一件事情可能一成不变——核是球形的。
But it turns out that might've been too simple.
但事实证明，这可能太简单了。
Atomic nuclei are made up of protons and neutrons that are held together by the Strong Nuclear Force (one of the universe's fundamental forces),
原子由质子和中子组成，它们是靠强大的原子力（宇宙的基本力量之一）结合在一起的，
and based on this, one might assume they'd be more or less spherical.
因此，人们可能认为它们或多或少是球形的。
In reality, though, most nuclei are deformed to some extent, they can be elongated into football shapes or squished into discs--
实际上，大多数原子核在某种程度上发生了形变，它们可以伸长成橄榄球的形状或者被压成圆盘——
but as long as they're symmetrical everything in physics land is fine and dandy.
但只要它们是对称的，在物理层面上，一切都好。
Here's the problem though, we just found a nucleus that ISN'T symmetrical, and it's a huge deal.
但问题是，我们发现了一个不对称的原子核，这可是件大事。
And that's because symmetry is a very important cornerstone to many of the theories we use to understand the universe.
这是因为对称性是我们理解宇宙中许多理论的重要基础。
In particle physics, there's a theory called CP-Symmetry, which is the combination of charge symmetry and parity.
在粒子物理学中，有一种称为CP对称的理论，它包括电荷对称性和奇偶性。
Charge symmetry is the idea that if you flip the charge of an atom, the physics of the atom shouldn't change.
电荷对称性的概念是，如果你翻转一个原子的电荷，该原子的物理性质不应改变。
This is the basis to our understanding of antimatter- if you flip the charge in a regular atom, you get an anti-atom.
这是我们理解反物质的基础——如果你在一个规则原子中翻转电荷，你就会得到一个反原子。
The physics should work the same.
物理性质上不应发生变化。
Similarly, parity is the idea that if you invert the spatial coordinates of a system, the physics shouldn't change.
同样，奇偶性是指，如果系统的空间坐标发生颠倒，其物理性质不应改变。
Our hands, for example, show parity- if you move one hand like this, you can mirror it with your other hand- and it works the same way.
例如，我们的手就展现了奇偶性——如果你这样移动一只手，你可以用另一只手得到它的镜像，道理相同。
Theoretically, atoms should behave this way, too.
从理论上讲，原子亦是如此。
So, back to the new hotness.
所以，回到这个新发现上。
Some Scotland-based scientists confirmed a pear-shaped nucleus exists.
一些苏格兰科学家证实了梨形核的存在。
A PEAR, YOU GUYS!
一个梨，伙计们！
The most exciting shape of all the fruits!
所有水果中最令人兴奋的形状！
Scientists had previously found asymmetrical nuclei in the isotopes Radium-224 and 226,
科学家们以前在同位素224和226中发现了不对称的原子核，
but this time they confirmed it in Barium-144, which is a comparatively lighter atom.
但是这次他们证实了，这种形状在较轻的原子钡-144中出现。
And how'd they do it you ask?
你问他们是怎么做到的？
They just looked for octupole transitions in the gamma ray emissions of excited ba-144 nuclei, casual.
他们只是在γ射线中，寻找受激钡-144的八极跃迁，偶然。
And the surprisingly pear-shaped nuclei they found had uneven distributions of mass, and charge,
他们惊讶地发现梨形核的质量和电荷分布不均匀。
which according to currently accepted models of physics, like CP-symmetry, just shouldn't exist.
根据目前公认的物理模型，如CP对称性，这种情况根本不应该存在。
But THEY DO. And the scientists think that could have some very big implications.
但他们确实如此。科学家们认为此事可能产生重大影响。
Our current models predict the symmetry of antimatter and matter, and of the flow of time,
我们目前的模型能够预测反物质和物质的对称性以及时间的流动性，
but the scientists think that these nuclei being asymmetrical could explain why these other things don't function symmetrically either.
但是科学家们认为这些不对称的核，可以解释为什么其他东西也无法对称运转。
If some atomic nuclei aren't symmetrical, they're claiming it could explain why we can't seem to find antimatter in our universe,
如果某些原子核是非对称的，他们声称这可以解释，为什么我们在宇宙中无法找到反物质
and why time always flows from past to future -- and therefore, why time travel is likely impossible.
以及为什么时间总是从过去流向未来——因此，为什么时间旅行可能毫无希望。
These are some pretty hefty claims, though, and as always more research is needed before we can prove anything.
这些都是一些很重要的说法，而且要想证明一些事情，我们还需要更多的研究。
But it is pretty amazing that such a tiny discovery could have such huge implications, innit?
但令人惊奇的是，这样一个微小的发现会有如此巨大的含义，不是吗？
If tiny science gets you as excited as a barium-144 nucleus, you should watch Julian's video about just how small life can get, here.
如果微小科学让你像钡-144核一样兴奋，那么你应该看看朱利安的视频，关于生命可以有多小！
And fun fact, about 99.9% percent of an atom is empty space - without it, all of humanity would be the size of a sugar cube.
趣味知识：99.9%的原子是空的——若非如此，所有的人类都将只有方糖大小。
Don't forget to subscribe and thanks for watching Seeker!
敬请订阅，谢谢收看！
