Hypothetical particles are proposed physical entities that extend or modify established particle content in a given theoretical framework, typically introduced to resolve inconsistencies, explain unexplained phenomena, or complete symmetries in high-energy and gravitational physics. As physical systems, they are characterized by well-defined quantum numbers, interaction types, mass scales, and roles in Lagrangian formulations, yet they lack direct experimental confirmation. Examples in model-building include particles postulated in supersymmetry, grand unified theories, dark matter and dark energy models, and quantum gravity scenarios, where their properties are constrained by consistency with known symmetries, renormalizability, cosmological evolution, and precision tests of the Standard Model and general relativity.
In the era of precision cosmology, research often means big science: large observatories, highly complex instruments, international collaborations and substantial funding. Yet even in such an advanced field, progress is still ...
Astronomy
Apr 17, 2026
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A Majorana fermion is a particle that would be identical to its antiparticle. Such an object has not yet been found. However, certain solid materials exhibit analogous behavior as if Majorana fermions were present through ...
Condensed Matter
Apr 11, 2026
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The absence of a signal could itself be a signal. This is the idea behind a new study published in the Journal of Cosmology and Astroparticle Physics, which aims to redefine how we search for dark matter, showing that it ...
Astronomy
Apr 9, 2026
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Tiny highly uniform magnetic fields are known to pervade the universe, influencing various cosmological processes. To date, however, the physical mechanisms underpinning the generation of these fields remain poorly understood. ...
Hypothetical dark matter stars known as "boson stars" could leave telltale ripples across the cosmos, offering researchers a new way to probe the invisible forces shaping the universe. In 2019, a strange event was observed ...
Astronomy
Feb 13, 2026
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Dark matter is a type of matter that is predicted to make up most of the matter in the universe, yet it is very difficult to detect using conventional experimental techniques, as it does not emit, absorb, or reflect light. ...
Ciaran O'Hare scribbles symbols using colored markers across his whiteboard like he's trying to solve a crime—or perhaps planning one. He bounces around the edges of the board, slowly filling it with sharp angles and curling ...
General Physics
Feb 5, 2026
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Recently, scientists from institutions including the University of Science and Technology of China made a fundamental breakthrough in nuclear-spin quantum precision measurement. They developed the first intercity nuclear-spin-based ...
General Physics
Feb 2, 2026
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Dark matter is an elusive type of matter that does not emit, absorb or reflect light, interacting very weakly with ordinary matter. These characteristics make it impossible to detect using conventional technologies used by ...
Experimental particle physicists working at the MicroBooNE experiment at Fermilab National Accelerator Laboratory have found evidence against the existence of a "sterile" type of neutrino hypothesized to be responsible for ...
Astronomy
Jan 1, 2026
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