© 2026 WRVO Public Media
NPR News for Central New York
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

What's Inside Quarks

NPR's Joe Palca reports that physicists have found evidence challenging the assumption that fundamental particles called "top quarks" can't be divided into yet smaller structures. Researchers at the Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory in Batavia, Ill., were surprised to find indications that quarks have internal structures. If this turns out to be true, it would contradict the Standard Model that physicists have long used to explain the basic structure of all matter. 17. MAYBE VOOM -- A reading from "The Cat in the Hat Comes Back" by Dr. Seuss. The cat, you'll remember, comes back to reveal another cat under his hat, who has another cat under his hat, who has another cat, and so-on. The cats get smaller until there's only VOOM left.

Copyright 1996 NPR

Recent cuts to federal funding are challenging our mission to serve central and upstate New York with trusted journalism, vital local coverage, and the diverse programming that informs and connects our communities. This is the moment to join our community of supporters and help keep journalists on the ground, asking hard questions that matter to our region.

Stand with public media and make your gift today—not just for yourself, but for all who depend on WRVO as a trusted resource and civic cornerstone in central and upstate New York.