Observation of double pygmy resonances in $^{195,196}$Pt and enhanced   astrophysical reaction rates
  Our measurements of $^{195,196}$Pt $\gamma$-strength functions show a double-humped enhancement in the $E_{\gamma}= 4-8$ MeV region. For the first time, the detailed shape of these resonances is revealed for excitation energies in the quasicontinuum. We demonstrate that the corresponding neutron-capture cross sections and astrophysical reaction rates are increased by up to a factor of 2 when these newly observed pygmy resonances are included. These results lend credence to theoretical predictions of enhanced reaction rates due to such pygmy resonances and hence are important for a better understanding of r-process nucleosynthesis. 
F. Giacoppo, F.L. Bello Garrote, T.K. Eriksen, A. G\"orgen, M.   Guttormsen, T.W. Hagen, A.C. Larsen, B.V. Kheswa, M. Klinte...
nucl-ex