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Scientists develop new, faster method for seeking out dark matter

Researchers use innovative technique called 'quantum squeezing' to dramatically speed up the search for dark matter in the lab. The team hopes to find axion particles, which are likely billions of times smaller than electrons and could explain the existence of dark matter.

SourceUniversity of Colorado at Boulder·JournalNature·DateFeb 10, 2021

Astronomers offer possible explanation for elusive dark-matter-free galaxies

Researchers found that some dwarf galaxies may appear dark-matter free due to extreme tidal mass loss, challenging the LCDM cosmological model. Simulations suggest a combined solution to both the structure and low dark matter content of these ultradiffuse galaxies.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society·DateFeb 9, 2021
Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach

Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach provides rugged GNSS navigation, satellite messaging, and SOS for backcountry geology and climate field teams.

A new tool in the search for axions

Researchers have developed a new method to detect axions, which are thought to make up 26% of the universe's energy content. The BASE collaboration used ultra-sensitive detectors in Penning trap experiments to set new limits on axion-photon coupling.

SourceRIKEN·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateFeb 4, 2021

Astronomers detect extended dark matter halo around ancient dwarf galaxy

Astrophysicists at MIT have discovered an extended dark matter halo around Tucana II, a primitive ultrafaint dwarf galaxy. The halo is estimated to be three to five times more massive than previously thought, implying that the first galaxies in the universe were likely larger and more massive.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalNature Astronomy·DateFeb 1, 2021

Searching for dark matter through the fifth dimension

Researchers propose a new theory that predicts the existence of a new force between ordinary and dark matter, making dark matter accessible to forthcoming experiments. The 5-dimensional field equations also predict the existence of a heavy particle with similar properties as the Higgs boson but a much heavier mass.

SourceJohannes Gutenberg Universitaet Mainz·JournalThe European Physical Journal C·DateFeb 1, 2021

Mira's last journey: Exploring the dark universe

The Last Journey simulation, performed on Argonne's supercomputer Mira, studied the distribution of mass across the universe over time. The team used a workflow combining HACC and CosmoTools to analyze and record relevant information during the simulation.

SourceDOE/Argonne National Laboratory·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal Supplement Series·DateJan 27, 2021
SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB

SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB transfers large imagery and model outputs quickly between field laptops, lab workstations, and secure archives.

Creality K1 Max 3D Printer

Creality K1 Max 3D Printer rapidly prototypes brackets, adapters, and fixtures for instruments and classroom demonstrations at large build volume.

Primordial black holes and the search for dark matter from the multiverse

Researchers at Kavli IPMU propose a novel scenario for primordial black hole formation, suggesting they could account for all or part of dark matter. They also suggest that PBHs could be responsible for some gravitational wave signals and seed supermassive black holes found in the center of our Galaxy.

SourceKavli Institute for the Physics and Mathematics of the Universe·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateDec 25, 2020

Looking for dark matter near neutron stars with radio telescopes

Researchers use radio telescopes to search for dark matter near neutron stars, with the goal of detecting the elusive axion particle. The study imposes strong limits on axion particles with masses between 5-11 micro electron-volt, a crucial step towards confirming the theory.

SourceKavli Institute for the Physics and Mathematics of the Universe·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateDec 21, 2020

Unique prediction of 'modified gravity' challenges dark matter

A team of international scientists detected an external field effect in over 150 galaxies, challenging the dark matter hypothesis and supporting modified Newtonian dynamics (MOND). The findings suggest that MOND's gravity at low accelerations is stronger than predicted by Newtonian understanding.

SourceCase Western Reserve University·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal·DateDec 16, 2020

Pizza can help address the dark matter mystery?

A novel multiple-cell cavity design, dubbed 'pizza cavity,' has been developed to address the challenges of searching for axion dark matter in high-frequency regions. The new design improves detection efficiency and allows for faster scanning of frequency ranges compared to conventional methods.

SourceInstitute for Basic Science·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateDec 11, 2020
Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro)

Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro) powers local ML workloads, large datasets, and multi-display analysis for field and lab teams.

Galaxy encounter violently disturbed Milky Way, study finds

A recent study reveals that the Milky Way galaxy is being warped and twisted by the gravitational force of the Large Magellanic Cloud, a smaller galaxy that crossed its boundary 700 million years ago. The effects are still being witnessed today and should force a revision of how our galaxy evolved.

SourceUniversity of Edinburgh·JournalNature Astronomy·DateNov 23, 2020

Advanced atomic clock makes a better dark matter detector

Researchers used a state-of-the-art atomic clock to narrow the search for elusive dark matter, setting new limits on ultralight dark matter's coupling strength. The study established constraints on the floor of normal fluctuations, providing sensitivity to cosmological models of dark matter and accepted physics theories.

SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateNov 12, 2020

Seeing dark matter in a new light

Astronomers have developed a new method to detect dark matter haloes surrounding galaxies, allowing for more precise measurements of the invisible mass. By analyzing the gravitational lensing effect on galaxy rotation, researchers can infer the amount of dark matter required to explain observed distortions.

SourceRoyal Astronomical Society·JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society·DateNov 6, 2020
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

Apple iPhone 17 Pro delivers top performance and advanced cameras for field documentation, data collection, and secure research communications.

A billion tiny pendulums could detect the universe's missing mass

Researchers at NIST have proposed a novel method to find dark matter by detecting its gravitational interaction with visible matter. A billion millimeter-sized pendulums would act as sensors, sensitive to particles ranging from 1/5,000 of a milligram to a few milligrams, covering the so-called Planck mass.

SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·JournalPhysical Review D·DateOct 14, 2020

The puzzle of the strange galaxy made of 99.9% dark matter is solved

Astronomers find galaxy Dragonfly 44 has normal amount of dark matter, contrary to earlier claims. The team discovered only 20 globular clusters, reducing the amount of dark matter, and confirming that the galaxy is not unique or anomalous.

SourceInstituto de Astrofísica de Canarias (IAC)·JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society·DateOct 13, 2020

Astrophysicist probes cosmic "dark matter detector"

A University of Colorado Boulder astrophysicist is searching the light coming from a distant magnetar, PSR J1745-2900, for signs of dark matter. The scientist hopes to detect the faint signals of an axion particle transforming into light.

SourceUniversity of Colorado at Boulder·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateSep 29, 2020
Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor

Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor tracks ventilation quality in labs, classrooms, and conference rooms with long battery life and clear e-ink readouts.

Big answers from tiny particles

Physicists develop new theory to explain neutrino properties, solving lepton conservation issues and potential dark matter answers. The research provides predictions testable by the Large Hadron Collider.

SourceKanazawa University·JournalPhysical Review D·DateSep 14, 2020

Holding up a mirror to a dark matter discrepancy

A new study by Yale astrophysicist Priyamvada Natarajan and colleagues found that the smaller dollops of dark matter associated with cluster galaxies are significantly more concentrated than predicted by theorists. The discovery implies a possible gap in scientists' understanding of dark matter.

SourceYale University·JournalScience·DateSep 11, 2020

Hubble observations suggest a missing ingredient in dark matter theories

Astronomers have discovered a discrepancy between theoretical models and Hubble observations of galaxy clusters, suggesting a potential gap in our understanding of dark matter. The study used unprecedentedly detailed observations to map the distribution of dark matter on small scales.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·JournalScience·DateSep 10, 2020
Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station

Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station offers research-grade local weather data for networked stations, campuses, and community observatories.

Physicists explain mysterious dark matter deficiency in galaxy pair

A study led by UC Riverside physicist Hai-Bo Yu suggests that the self-interacting dark matter theory explains why two galaxies contain less dark matter than expected. The researchers used sophisticated simulations to show that tidal stripping of the satellite galaxies' mass can occur, leading to a decrease in dark matter content.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateSep 9, 2020

Zooming in on dark matter

A recent study published in Nature has zoomed in on dark matter haloes of varying masses, revealing a surprising similarity in their internal structure. The research team used supercomputers to simulate the evolution of the universe and found that even small haloes have dense centers and spread-out outer regions.

SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalNature·DateSep 2, 2020
Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C)

Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C) keeps Macs, tablets, and meters powered during extended observing runs and remote surveys.

Zooming in on dark matter

The study found that small dark matter haloes have a similar internal structure to larger ones, with smaller clumps orbiting in their outer regions. This could help identify these small objects individually or collectively through future gamma-ray observatories.

SourceDurham University·JournalNature·DateSep 2, 2020

Natural radiation can interfere with quantum computers

A multidisciplinary research team found that low-level ionizing radiation degrades superconducting qubit performance. To maintain coherence and achieve practical quantum computing, radiation shielding will be necessary. Researchers emphasize the need to exclude radiation-emitting materials and consider underground experimental setups.

SourceDOE/Pacific Northwest National Laboratory·JournalNature·DateAug 26, 2020

Study rules out DM destruction as origin of extra radiation in galaxy center

Researchers have eliminated dark matter candidates as the origin of excess gamma rays detected in the Milky Way's galaxy center through extensive modeling exercises. The study puts strongest constraints yet on dark matter properties, ruling out weakly interacting massive particles up to very high-mass particles.

SourceUniversity of California - Irvine·JournalPhysical Review D·DateAug 26, 2020

New NMR method enables monitoring of chemical reactions in metal containers

Researchers at Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz developed a new zero-to-ultralow-field NMR spectroscopy method to analyze chemical reactions in metal containers. This technique overcomes the limitations of high-field NMR, allowing for the observation of complex reactions and catalysis mechanisms.

SourceJohannes Gutenberg Universitaet Mainz·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateJul 15, 2020
AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope

AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope supports teaching labs and QA checks with LED illumination, mechanical stage, and included 5MP camera.

Grant awarded to UC Riverside physicist to explore the dark sector

Physicist Hai-Bo Yu at UC Riverside has been awarded a three-year grant to study Self-Interacting Dark Matter, a new theory that posits dark matter particles have strong self-interactions. The project aims to improve our understanding of dark matter and its role in galaxy distributions.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·DateJul 4, 2020

Case for axion origin of dark matter gains traction

Researchers propose a kinetic misalignment scenario that strengthens the axion/dark matter equivalence. This novel concept answers key questions and provides new avenues for detection efforts.

SourceInstitute for Advanced Study·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateJun 26, 2020

Observation of Excess Events in the XENON1T Dark Matter Experiment

The XENON1T experiment has observed a surprising excess of 53 events over expected backgrounds, sparking theories on potential sources such as tritium, axions, or altered neutrino properties. The solar axion hypothesis holds the most significance at 3.5 sigma, while other explanations remain consistent with data.

SourceKavli Institute for the Physics and Mathematics of the Universe·DateJun 17, 2020

Thinking small: New ideas in the search for dark matter

Researchers at Caltech propose a new approach to detecting dark matter using lighter-weight particles that can interact with magnons, excited electron spins. They suggest cooling equipment and moving it underground to detect these interactions.

SourceCalifornia Institute of Technology·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateJun 16, 2020
Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm)

Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm) tracks health metrics and safety alerts during long observing sessions, fieldwork, and remote expeditions.

National survey shows different bacteria on cell phones and shoes

A recent study found that cell phones and shoes harbor distinct communities of microbes, with shoes displaying greater diversity. The research also uncovered a substantial proportion of 'microbial dark matter' groups, previously unexplored in lab settings.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalPeerJ·DateJun 9, 2020

Study: could dark matter be hiding in existing data?

Researchers propose refocusing dark matter detector efforts to seek out newly suggested types of dark matter signals that may have been overlooked. This includes absorption-related processes and energy signatures in the MeV range, which could be more common than previously detected signals.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateMay 4, 2020
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter is a trusted meter for precise measurements during instrument integration, repairs, and field diagnostics.

Looking for dark matter with the universe's coldest material

Researchers at ICFO have successfully searched for axions, hypothetical particles thought to make up 80% of the universe's mass, using a new technique involving Bose-Einstein condensates. The study confirms the ability to detect short-range spin-dependent forces with much shorter ranges than previous experiments.

SourceICFO-The Institute of Photonic Sciences·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateMay 1, 2020

In search of the Z boson

Researchers from KIT participate in the Belle II accelerator experiment to enhance understanding of dark matter in the universe. They have now limited mass and coupling strengths of the Z' boson with previously unattainable accuracy using initial data collected during the startup phase.

SourceKarlsruher Institut für Technologie (KIT)·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateApr 16, 2020

Satellite galaxies of the Milky Way help test dark matter theory

Researchers used satellite galaxies Draco and Fornax to test the self-interacting dark matter (SIDM) model, which explains diverse dark matter distributions. SIDM produces novel signatures in subhalos that differ from the prevailing Cold Dark Matter theory.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateApr 15, 2020
DJI Air 3 (RC-N2)

DJI Air 3 (RC-N2) captures 4K mapping passes and environmental surveys with dual cameras, long flight time, and omnidirectional obstacle sensing.

Looking for dark matter

Physicists Rees McNally and Tanya Zelevinsky have proposed two novel methods of searching for dark matter by measuring tiny perturbations in fundamental constants. These methods involve using gravity sensors and LIGO gravitational wave detectors to detect a small extra 'push' or acceleration on normal matter caused by dark matter clumps.

SourceSpringer·JournalThe European Physical Journal D·DateApr 9, 2020

Belle II yields first results in search of the Z' boson

The Belle II experiment has analyzed a small amount of data collected during the start-up phase of SuperKEKB in 2018. The analysis did not provide any indication of the Z' boson, but it did limit the mass and coupling strengths of the particle with previously unattainable accuracy. This result does not rule out the existence of the Z' ...

SourceJohannes Gutenberg Universitaet Mainz·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateApr 8, 2020

New technique looks for dark matter traces in dark places

Researchers develop new technique to analyze X-ray telescope observations of 'empty' space within Milky Way galaxy, finding no evidence for 3.5 keV line associated with dark matter decay. The study's results limit simple models of dark matter and pave the way for future discoveries.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalScience·DateMar 26, 2020
Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter

Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter measures wind, temperature, and humidity in real time for site assessments, aviation checks, and safety briefings.

Astronomers use slime mould to map the universe's largest structures

Researchers used a computer algorithm inspired by slime mould to create a three-dimensional map of the cosmic web structure in the local Universe. The analysis revealed that intergalactic gas is organised into filaments and detected at distances over 10 million light-years from galaxies.

SourceESA/Hubble Information Centre·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal Letters·DateMar 26, 2020

Researchers look for dark matter close to home

A new study from the University of Michigan and Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory has found no evidence that sterile neutrinos are dark matter. The research team used archival data from the XMM-Newton space X-ray telescope to search for signs of dark matter in the Milky Way galaxy, but their analysis yielded no results.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalScience·DateMar 26, 2020
GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter

GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter logs beta, gamma, and X-ray levels for environmental monitoring, training labs, and safety demonstrations.

APS tip sheet: correlating matter's distribution in the universe with gamma rays

Researchers have found the first direct correlation between dark matter and gamma rays in the universe. The study used gamma ray data from Fermi Large Area Telescope and mapped it with weak gravitational lensing, providing insights into the nature of dark matter and its potential connection to gamma ray emissions.

SourceAmerican Physical Society·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateMar 10, 2020

Astronomers use slime mold model to reveal dark threads of the cosmic web

Researchers use a Physarum-based algorithm to visualize the cosmic web's filaments, connecting galaxies and diffuse hydrogen gas. The model replicates the distribution of dark matter on large scales, providing a new tool for understanding the universe's structure.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Cruz·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal Letters·DateMar 10, 2020

New argument presented to highlight the axion nature of dark matter

Researchers suggest that axionic dark matter surrounding compact stars can prevent catastrophic magnetic field losses while allowing for abnormal rotation. This theory provides an alternative to previous understanding of rapidly rotating objects with strong magnetic fields.

SourceKazan Federal University·JournalPhysical Review D·DateFeb 3, 2020
Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply

Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply powers sensors, microcontrollers, and test circuits with programmable rails and stable outputs.

Taking the temperature of dark matter

Researchers at the University of California, Davis used gravitational lensing to study dark matter's properties. They found that dark matter particles could be lighter and more rapidly-moving, which may affect galaxy formation.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society·DateJan 15, 2020

Connecting the dots in the sky could shed new light on dark matter

Researchers discovered a correlation between the unresolved gamma-ray background and matter distribution in the distant universe, suggesting that dark matter could be a source of the faint cosmic glow. The study used data from the Dark Energy Survey and Fermi Gamma-ray Space Telescope to analyze the correlation.

SourceDOE/SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateJan 13, 2020

First national US observatory to be named after a woman!

The NSF Vera C. Rubin Observatory will conduct a vast astronomical survey, mapping the Milky Way and probing dark energy and dark matter. Vera Rubin's groundbreaking work uncovered the existence of dark matter, making this observatory a fitting tribute to her legacy.

SourceAssociation of Universities for Research in Astronomy (AURA)·DateJan 7, 2020