Natalie Wolchover

A roundup of some of the most important discoveries gleaned so far from the Gaia space observatory’s new map of the galaxy.

In new computer experiments, artificial-intelligence algorithms can tell the future of chaotic systems.

Independent scientists have cast serious doubt on a claimed detection of dark matter.

The statistician Donald Richards lives to uncover subtle patterns hiding in real-world data.

The amount of energy infusing empty space seems too small to explain without a multiverse. But physicists have at least one alternative left to explore.

A recently proposed experiment would confirm that gravity is a quantum force.

Two methods of measuring the neutron's longevity give different answers, creating uncertainty in cosmological models. But no one has a clue what the problem is.

Cosmologists have shown that it’s theoretically possible for a contracting universe to bounce and expand. The new work resuscitates an old idea that directly challenges the Big Bang theory of cosmic origins.

A complete classification could lead to a wealth of new materials and technologies. But some exotic phases continue to resist understanding.