Dark matter is a mysterious substance believed to hold galaxies together. Scientists have not yet proven that it exists. But a discovery led by Nanyang Technological University, Singapore (NTU Singapore) could help with finding dark matter. Dark matter is likely made up of particles and one possible particle is the hypothetical axion. One way to find axions is to show that light particles can move like them. If this behaviour could be observed, the likelihood that axions are real increases. Experiments by NTU Singapore-led scientists confirmed that light particles can behave like theoretical axions inside special crystal structures that they designed. These findings give researchers confidence that, one day, the crystals could be adapted to detect axions and, hopefully, unravel some of the universe’s greatest mysteries.

The International Space Station (ISSInternational Space Station) National Laboratory is soliciting flight concepts for technology advancement that utilizes the space-based environment of the orbiting laboratory. This solicitation, “Technology Advancement and Applied Research Leveraging the ISS National Lab,” is open to a broad range of technology areas, including chemical and material synthesis in space, translational medicine, in-space edge computing, and in-space servicing, assembly, and manufacturing. It also encompasses the application of space station remote sensing data to improve geospatial analytics for commercial use.

Technicians have successfully integrated NASA’s Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope’s payload –– the telescope, instrument carrier, and two instruments –– to the spacecraft that will deliver the observatory to its place in space and enable it to function while there.

How to achieve high-level integration of composite micro-nano structures with different structural characteristics through a minimalist and universal process? In International Journal of Extreme Manufacturing, researchers from Zhejiang University, University of Shanghai for Science and Technology, and Aalborg University revealed a controllable ultrafast laser-induced focal volume light field and experimentally succeeded in highly efficient one-step composite structuring in multiple transparent solids based on focal volume optical printing.  Their work reports a highly universal all-optical fabrication of composite micro-nanostructures in various transparent solids with independent controllability in multiple degrees of freedom, expands the current cognition of ultrafast laser-based material modification in transparent solids, and establishes a new scientific aspect of strong-field optics, namely, focal volume optics for composite structuring transparent solids.

The SETI Institute announces the 2024 SETI Forward Award recipients: Gabriella Rizzo and Pritvik Sinhadc. This year's recipients worked on research projects to understand extremophiles in deep-sea hydrothermal vents and to analyze gravitational wave signals for potential extraterrestrial technosignatures. Established by Lew Levy, SETI Forward committee founder and member of the SETI Institute’s Council of Advisors, this award is a beacon for promising young scientists. The goal is to connect students with opportunities that foster their passion for SETI and astrobiology, guiding them toward meaningful careers.

“In our 6th year of SETI Forward, I am continually impressed with the amazing students entering the scientific community,” said Levy. “SETI Forward recognizes undergraduates such as Gabriella and Pritvik who want to join the search for life outside of Earth, and I have no doubt they will join the growing SETI community.”