gluons

Gluons are fundamental particles in the field of particle physics responsible for the strong nuclear force, which holds atomic nuclei together. Think of them as "glue" that binds protons and neutrons inside an atom's nucleus. While protons and neutrons are made of even smaller particles called quarks, gluons mediate the interactions between these quarks, allowing them to stick together. Although we can't see gluons directly, their effects are crucial for the stability of matter in the universe. Without gluons, atomic nuclei would not exist, and the universe would be vastly different.