  We study the effect of the Basset history force on the dynamics of small
particles transported in homogeneous and isotropic turbulence and show that
this term, often neglected in previous numerical studies, reduces the
small-scale clustering typical of inertial particles. The contribution of this
force to the total particle acceleration is, on average, responsible for about
10% of the total acceleration and particularly relevant during rare strong
events. At moderate density ratios, i.e. sand or metal powder in water, its
presence alters the balance of forces determining the particle acceleration.
