Elementary particles can have extremely long lifespans approaching stability
the verdict
SUPPORTED
the evidence backs this
confidence 81/100
Standard particle physics models and Grand Unified Theories support the premise that certain elementary particles, such as the proton, can possess extraordinarily long lifespans, pushing the limits of stability.
Evidence for · 2
Flavor Physics in SO(10) GUTs with Suppressed Proton decay Due to Gauged Discrete Symmetry
2008 · cited by 7
Paper [5] discusses GUT models that suppress proton decay, leading to exceptionally long lifetimes for elementary particles like the proton.
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More for · 1
Baryon Number Violation: From Nuclear Matrix Elements to BSM Physics
2025 · cited by 7
Paper [6] reviews baryon number violation physics, highlighting ongoing research into extremely long-lived elementary particles such as the proton.