Nuclear theory sits at the fascinating intersection of particle physics and the forces that hold our universe together. This field explores how protons and neutrons bind inside atomic nuclei, seeking to understand the fundamental interactions that govern matter at its most dense and energetic levels. While the mathematics involved can be incredibly complex, the core questions are deeply human: how does the universe function at its smallest scales, and what happens when we push matter to its limits?

At Gist.Science, we make these cutting-edge discoveries accessible by processing every new preprint published in this category on arXiv. Our team transforms dense academic manuscripts into clear, plain-language summaries alongside detailed technical overviews, ensuring that both experts and curious readers can grasp the latest breakthroughs without getting lost in the jargon. Below are the latest papers in nuclear theory, distilled and ready for you to explore.

⚛️ nuclear theory

A unified classification-quantification framework for bubble-like nuclei within the extended quantum molecular dynamics model

This paper presents a unified classification-quantification framework using the dimensionless BHTUBHTU parameters to systematically characterize bubble-like nuclear morphologies across the AME2020 database within the extended quantum molecular dynamics model, revealing widespread bubble and toroidal structures in medium-mass, heavy, and superheavy nuclei.

Ge Ren, Chun-Wang Ma, Xi-Guang Cao, Kai-Xuan Cheng, Jie Pu2026-05-26
⚛️ nuclear theory

Thermal Spin Polarization Driven by Nuclear Spin-Orbit Coupling in Neutron Star Pasta

This paper proposes that thermal inhomogeneity at the surface of neutron star nuclear pasta, combined with nuclear spin-orbit coupling, induces anomalous spin polarization in surface-localized neutrons even in the absence of a magnetic field, thereby bridging neutron star physics and solid-state spintronics.

Hiroyuki Tajima, Yuta Sekino, Hiroshi Funaki, Shota Kisaka, Nobutoshi Yasutake, Mamoru Matsuo2026-05-26
⚛️ phenomenology

Odderon Form Factors in Reggeized Spin-2 Pomeron and Spin-3 Odderon Exchange in $pp$ and ppˉp\bar p Elastic Scattering

This paper investigates the form-factor dependence of Reggeized spin-2 Pomeron and spin-3 Odderon exchanges in high-energy elastic $pp$ and ppˉp\bar p scattering, demonstrating that an exponential Odderon-proton form factor provides a superior fit to global data compared to other parametrizations and reveals a peripheral soft Odderon interaction with hadronic-scale transverse structure.

Dominador F. Vaso, Jr., Prin Sawasdipol, Jingle B. Magallanes, Chakrit Pongkitivanichkul, Daris Samart2026-05-26
⚛️ nuclear theory

Scaling behaviour of charged particles generated in Xe$-$Xe collisions at sNN\sqrt{s_{\rm{NN}}} = 5.44 TeV using the AMPT model

This paper utilizes the String Melting mode of the AMPT model to investigate the scaling behavior and intermittency of charged particle multiplicity fluctuations in Xe–Xe collisions at sNN\sqrt{s_{\rm{NN}}} = 5.44 TeV, determining key parameters such as anomalous fractal dimensions and scaling exponents to characterize the system's self-similar dynamics and provide baseline predictions.

Zarina Banoo, Ramni Gupta, Salman K. Malik, Fakhar Ul Haider, Balwan Singh, Sheetal Sharma2026-05-25
⚛️ nuclear theory

Valence quark distribution of the pion inside a medium with finite baryon density: A Nambu--Jona-Lasinio model approach

This paper employs a two-flavor Nambu--Jona-Lasinio model coupled with a light-cone quark model to calculate and analyze the in-medium valence quark distribution, electromagnetic form factor, and distribution amplitude of the pion at finite baryon density, comparing the resulting parton distribution functions and their Mellin moments with experimental data, lattice QCD, and theoretical predictions after NLO DGLAP evolution.

Ashutosh Dwibedi, Satyajit Puhan, Sabyasachi Ghosh, Harleen Dahiya2026-05-25
⚛️ nuclear theory

Intertwined quantum phase transitions in the even-even 90−100^{90-100}Sr isotopes

Using the interacting boson model with configuration mixing, this study identifies the even-even 90−100^{90-100}Sr isotopes as a region of intertwined quantum phase transitions where a crossing between normal and intruder configurations coincides with a shape evolution within the intruder configuration, a scenario strongly supported by comprehensive comparisons with experimental data.

Noam Gavrielov2026-05-25