CERN excludes 1 error in faster-than-light finding

[November 18, 2011]  GENEVA (AP) -- Scientists at the world's largest physics lab say they have ruled out one possible error that could have distorted measurements they took that appear to show particles traveling faster than light.

Physicists expressed skepticism in September when measurements by French and Italian researchers appeared to show subatomic neutrino particles breaking what Einstein considered the ultimate speed barrier by traveling a fraction faster than light.

Now the European Organization for Nuclear Research, or CERN, says more precise testing has confirmed the accuracy of at least one part of the experiment.

The Geneva-based body said Friday that scientists changed the way the neutrino's departure time was measured and got the same results, "ruling out one potential source of systematic error."

[Associated Press]

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