Proton spin dynamics (IMAGE) DOE/Brookhaven National Laboratory Caption Newly analyzed data from the PHENIX detector at the Relativistic Heavy Ion Collider (RHIC) are offering insight into the internal structure of individual protons, which are made up of quarks (colored spheres) and gluons (yellow "springs"). The measurements have the potential to reveal whether the internal motion of the gluons (white arrow) aligns with and contributes to the overall spin of the proton (indicated by small gray arrow). Credit Brookhaven National Laboratory Usage Restrictions OK for use with stories about this research. License Original content Disclaimer: AAAS and EurekAlert! are not responsible for the accuracy of news releases posted to EurekAlert! by contributing institutions or for the use of any information through the EurekAlert system.