A Solution to the Quenched $g_A$ Problem in Nuclei and Dense Baryonic Matter

When scale symmetry is combined with chiral symmetry in a scale-chiral Lagrangian, it can be shown in Fermi-liquid fixed point theory that $g_A^{\rm eff}\approx 1$ in finite nuclei {\it as well as} in dense baryonic matter. This is suggested as a signal for emergence of hidden symmetries of QCD in baryonic matter from low to very high density. This calculation throws doubt on the “first principles” explanation of the quenching of $g_A$ in nuclei with two-body meson-exchange currents. It also has relevance to Gamow-Teller matrix elements in neutrinoless double $\beta$ decay.