Will protons last forever? Why scientists are searching for signs of decay

The stability of protons and electrons, unlike that of neutrons which decay in isolation, stems from conservation laws that ensure certain properties remain unchanged over time.

Despite extensive efforts, scientists have not observed proton decay, which challenges our understanding of stability in the Universe's matter and prompts continued investigation.

For nearly 14 billion years, the Universe has shown remarkable stability, with stars and galaxies existing through immense time spans, raising questions about the decay of matter.

While decay is common in the universe, the persistence of protons and electrons highlights an extraordinary stability that scientists are trying to understand through advanced detectors.

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