Latest Science News
DESI Releases Largest 3D Map of Universe Showing Weakening Dark Energy
The DESI collaboration published new results in 2025, releasing the largest 3D map of the universe yet, indicating dark energy's influence may be weakening over time when combined with other data. This challenges standard cosmological models and prompts updates to our understanding of the universe's expansion.
Fermilab contributed key components to DESI.
Fermilab Rules Out Single Sterile Neutrino with 95% Certainty
MicroBooNE experiment at Fermilab published results in Nature on Dec. 3, 2025, ruling out a single sterile neutrino explaining anomalies with 95% certainty. This shifts focus to other neutrino mysteries after 10 years of operations.
Fermilab produced over 540 papers in 2025, highlighting Intensity Frontier progress.
Paradigm-Shifting New Black Hole Discovered
Physicists spotted a paradigm-shifting new black hole in 2025, reshaping views on cosmic phenomena. This breakthrough highlights major physics advances alongside dark energy findings.
It underscores 2025's transformative discoveries in astrophysics.
Quantum Spin Liquid Confirmed in 3D Material Ce2Zr2O7
Rice University team solved a decades-old quantum mystery on Dec. 17, 2025, confirming a true 3D quantum spin liquid via emergent photon-like excitations in Ce2Zr2O7. Polarized neutron scattering revealed spinons and photons near zero energy, resolving prior debates.
This opens paths for studying entangled quantum matter and technologies.
Photon-Avalanching Nanoparticles Enable Optical Computing Breakthrough
Berkeley Lab co-led development of optical computing material using photon-avalanching nanoparticles that switch states with light, advancing nanometer-scale memory and transistors. This brings photonic computers closer, rivaling microelectronics speed and size.
It addresses long-standing challenges in light-based computing.
OMol25 Dataset Revolutionizes Machine Learning for Molecular Simulations
Berkeley Lab's OMol25, the most diverse chemical dataset, trains MLIPs for DFT-quality predictions 10,000 times faster. This transforms materials science, biology, and energy research by enabling rapid large-molecule simulations.
It scales computations on standard systems.
Gene Editing Achieves Milestones in Huntington's and Cancer Therapies
2025 marked breakthroughs in gene editing, with Huntington's therapy slowing cognitive decline by 75% and CAR-T base-editing inducing remission in leukemia patients. First personalized CRISPR trial and therapies for rare immune disorders launched clinical success.
Experts hail it as an outstanding year for clinical trials.
John Clarke Wins 2025 Nobel for Macroscopic Quantum Tunneling
Former Berkeley Lab scientist John Clarke shared the 2025 Nobel Prize in Physics for proving quantum mechanics governs macroscopic circuits, foundational for qubits and sensors. This adds Berkeley Lab's 17th Nobel, stemming from 1980s DOE-supported work.
It propelled modern quantum technologies.
Targeted Ultrasound Drug Delivery Reduces Side Effects
Stanford researchers developed nanoparticles with ultrasound to release drugs precisely in body and brain, showing reduced anxiety in rats with targeted ketamine versus conventional. This promises fewer side effects for treatments.
It advances pain and neural therapies.
Proton-Boron11 Fusion Theory Bends Thermodynamics for Clean Energy
Princeton physicist Nat Fisch theorized a breakthrough for pB11 fusion, using abundant protons and boron for clean energy by nearly breaking the second law of thermodynamics. If realized, it offers limitless pollution-free power despite high-temperature challenges.
This could transform sustainable energy.
Eradication of Liver Tumors in Mice via Immune Activation
Stanford study blocked erythropoietin to turn 'cold' liver tumors 'hot' with immune cells, combining with immunotherapy for complete regression in most mice. This advances cancer treatments.
It highlights novel immune pathway targeting.
Ozone Hole Recovery on Track for Late 2060s
Continued CFC alternatives ensure ozone hole recovery by late 2060s, a positive environmental science story amid 2025 advances. This restores faith in conservation efforts.
It exemplifies successful global science policy.