Scientists using the Large Hadron Collider have searched for hypothetical quantum black holes smaller than atoms that would exist for extremely brief periods.

Finding such black holes could provide insights into spacetime and help scientists develop a theory that reconciles general relativity with quantum physics.

The latest search found no evidence of these tiny black holes, meaning researchers could not directly study quantum gravity through their creation.

However, scientists said the null result establishes limits on the possible properties of quantum black holes and rules out certain scenarios, Space.com has reported.

Researchers emphasized that the findings help narrow future searches for new particles and phenomena beyond the Standard Model of particle physics.