From Stockholm: A Belgian-born scientist has been awarded the Nobel Prize in physics for efforts to understand a rare group of neutrinos. These tiny cosmic particles are believed to offer clues to the universe's evolution. The scientist, Francis Halzen, expressed surprise at the announcement, despite predictions that he would win.

He was speaking by phone from Italy when he received the news. Halzen mentioned that he is currently working on a proposal and hopes the prize will help it get approved.

Further details about Halzen's work and the significance of the prize are available from the Nobel Physics Committee's announcement.