A newly developed highly sensitive detector is making it possible for the first time in decades to expand the search for dark matter, the elusive particles believed to make up roughly 85% of the universe but that have never been directly observed in a lab. The advance could either generate the first direct evidence of dark matter or rule out broad classes of theories that have yet to be tested.

This is a correspondence and no abstract is available

Despite advancements in hardware, AI, and machine learning, deploying robots in dynamic, real-world settings—and getting them to do what we want—remains difficult. Cristian-Ioan Vasile, an assistant professor of mechanical engineering and mechanics at Lehigh University, has received funding through the NSF’s Faculty Early Career Development (CAREER) Program to develop structured methods for assessing the capabilities of learning-enabled agents and use that information to improve planning and coordination of robots working in teams.

On Aug. 7 and 8, NASA’s Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope team assessed the observatory’s solar panels and a visor-like sunshade called the deployable aperture cover — two components that will be stowed for launch and unfold in space. Engineers confirmed their successful operation during a closely monitored sequence in simulated space-like conditions. On the first day, Roman’s four outer solar panels were deployed one at a time, each unfolding over 30 seconds with 30-second pauses between them. The visor followed in a separate test the next day. These assessments help ensure Roman will perform as expected in space. Roman is slated to launch no later than May 2027, with the team working toward a potential early launch as soon as fall 2026.