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We have made a new evaluation of the ⌳ decay width in nuclear matter within the propagator method. Through the local density approximation it is possible to obtain results in finite nuclei. We have also studied the dependence of the widths on the NN and ⌳N strong short-range correlations. Using reasonable values for the parameters that control these correlations, as well as realistic nuclear densities and ⌳ wave functions, we show that it is possible to reproduce the experimental decay rates in a wide range of mass numbers ͑from medium to heavy hypernuclei͒; however, the question related to the ⌫ n /⌫ p ratio remains open.

Selected topics in strangeness nuclear physics are critically reviewed. This includes production, structure and weak decay of Λ-Hypernuclei, theK nuclear interaction and the possible existence ofK bound states in nuclei. Perspectives for future studies on these issues are also outlined. PACS. 21.80.+a Hypernuclei -25.80.Pw Hyperon-induced reactions -21.60.-n Nuclear structure models and methods -21.45.+v Few-body Systems -25.80.Nv Kaon-induced reactions -13.75.Jz Kaon-baryon interactions