Faulty Cable Possible Cause For Faster-Than-Light Particles

A file photo shows scientists looking at equipment at the Gran Sasso National Laboratory as part of a repeat experiment in cooperation with the European Organization for Nuclear Research.

Researchers say they have found a possible flaw in the setup of an experiment that appeared to show neutrino particles traveling faster than light.

The result of the experiment was met with widespread skepticism by the scientific community when it was announced in September by the Geneva-based European Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN).

The speed of light was considered by physicist Albert Einstein to be the ultimate speed barrier.

CERN spokesman James Gillies told RFE/RL after the latest reports casting doubt on the findings that the flaw in the experiment may be connected to a bad fiber-optic connection that may have influenced measurements of the speed of the subatomic neutrino particles.

Gillies said the results of further measurements and tests will be announced later this year, but it looks increasingly likely that Einstein's law will continue to stand the test of time.
With AFP, AP, and Reuters reporting