This summer, the HiRadMat (High Radiation to Materials) facility began testing the first HL-LHC collimator jaw prototypes. How they perform when bombarded with high-energy, high-intensity beams will go on to shape the particle accelerators of the future... >>

A large fraction of the LHC beam-time over the last two weeks has been devoted to the second phase of the scrubbing of the vacuum chambers. This was aimed at reducing the formation of electron clouds in the beam pipes, this time performed with 25-nanosecond spaced bunches. This operation is designed to prepare the machine for a smooth intensity ramp-up for physics with this type of beam. >>

In a recent Nature article (see here), the BASE collaboration reported the most precise comparison of the charge-to-mass ratio of the proton to its antimatter equivalent, the antiproton. This result is just the beginning and many more challenges lie ahead. >>

The “Children of the Night” is a colloquial name given to children suffering from Xeroderma pigmentosum (XP), a genetic disorder that causes extreme sensitivity to ultraviolet light. When affected individuals are exposed to the sun, their skin undergoes alterations that can quickly develop into cancer. Special equipment has been developed to protect them from UV exposure but it is uncomfortable and very expensive. The association THE Port has a project to help the children afflicted by the disorder and their families and is looking for experts who can contribute. >>

Every year, on the last Friday of September, the European Researchers’ Night (see here) takes place in about 300 cities all over Europe - promoting research in engaging and fun ways for the general public. This year, CERN will be participating once again, hosting dozens of events across the Balexert shopping centre – and we’ll need YOUR help to make the celebration a success. >>

On 27 to 31 July, CERN welcomed Paul Clarke, an 18-year-old Irish mathematician who won a CERN EIROforum prize (second place) at EUCYS 2014 (European Union Contest for Young Scientists). >>

On 8 August, the Hardronic Festival took place on the terrace of Restaurant 3 in Prévessin. Ten bands from the CERN MusiClub played an assortment of excellent music in a non-stop show that lasted until the early hours. Hundreds of people gathered by the stage, favouring the Hardronic rhythms over the bangs and crackles of the Fête de Genève fireworks. >>

This new section highlights articles, blog posts and press releases published in the CERN web environment over the past weeks. This way, you won’t miss a thing... >>

“The mobile world’s equivalent to Heartbleed” and “Mother of all Android Vulnerabilities” - just two quotes from the media about the new vulnerability (see here) affecting all Android devices. While Google has been quick to fix this vulnerability, the big problem has been getting this fix to your Android devices: mobile phone manufacturers and providers are incredibly slow at passing it along… >>