Physicists announced they believe they have resolved a decade-long scientific puzzle regarding conflicting measurements of the proton's size, with researchers stating this represents "the final nail in the coffin of the proton radius puzzle."

The proton radius puzzle emerged when different experimental methods produced inconsistent measurements of the proton's charge radius, creating uncertainty in fundamental physics constants and prompting extensive research to reconcile the discrepancy.

Separately, fusion energy company Inertia announced it has signed three licensing agreements with Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory to commercialize fusion reactor technology. The agreements represent a step toward bringing experimental fusion technology from the laboratory to potential commercial applications.

Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory operates the National Ignition Facility, one of the world's largest laser-based fusion research facilities. The laboratory has been working on inertial confinement fusion experiments as part of ongoing efforts to achieve controlled nuclear fusion.

The licensing agreements with Inertia mark an effort to transition fusion research from purely scientific endeavors toward potential commercial energy production, though significant technical and economic challenges remain in bringing fusion power to market.