Magic numbers make nickel nucleus stronger

Researchers provide the first direct evidence for a rare kind of atomic nucleus. The special nickel nucleus (78Ni) is an isotope of typical nickel (58Ni), meaning they share the same number of protons but a different number of neutrons. Usually more neutrons make isotopes less stable, but this isotope is special. 78Ni is more tough or rigid than other nickel isotopes with similar numbers of neutrons — it takes more energy to excite 78Ni into a different state.
Source: EurekaAlert, https://www.eurekalert.org