The Download: a new hunt for dark matter and Kenya’s case for going solar

Physicists are expanding their search for dark matter, shifting focus from weakly interacting massive particles (WIMPs) due to interference from neutrinos, which create a "neutrino fog" that obscures dark matter signals. New research proposals involve advanced detection methods such as quantum sensors and liquid-helium detectors, and exploring unconventional locations like Jupiter's atmosphere. This marks a significant evolution in the decades-long hunt for this elusive substance.

In Kenya, entrepreneurs in Nairobi are championing solar energy for businesses, with Milcah Wanjiru's shop serving as an example by operating on either solar power or the electrical grid. This initiative aligns with Kenya's goal of achieving universal electricity access by 2030, with off-grid solar solutions being a key strategy. Solar milling systems are gaining traction across Kenya, offering reduced operating costs and improved profitability for businesses after initial investment.

Meanwhile, solar geoengineering, proposed as a method to cool the planet by scattering light-reflecting particles into the atmosphere, faces substantial practical challenges. While often conceptualized as an emergency measure, its implementation is described as a complex and currently unsolved puzzle, indicating significant hurdles remain before it could be deployed.