Advancements in Dark Matter Research Through New Simulations

Recent advancements in dark matter research are significantly driven by new simulations that enhance our understanding of cosmic structures and their formation. One notable development is the work on the 'Hi-COLA' simulation suite, which has been extended to accommodate Horndeski theories with K-mouflage screening. This extension allows for the computation of matter power spectra in the non-linear regime, providing insights into how dark matter behaves under modified gravity theories, which was discussed in a paper submitted on June 30, 2024, and revised on November 2, 2025. The research highlights the differences in the dark matter power spectrum relative to standard models and emphasizes the potential for upcoming galaxy survey data to test these theories further, suggesting that the 'Hi-COLA' tool is pivotal for future explorations of gravity in cosmological contexts.

Additionally, understanding dark matter interactions is crucial for interpreting observational data. A separate study, also submitted on November 2, 2025, demonstrates that the suppression in the lensing power spectrum of the cosmic microwave background caused by massive neutrinos can appear similar to the effects of interacting dark matter. This similarity complicates the determination of neutrino masses from the CMB lensing power spectrum, indicating a degeneracy that researchers must navigate in future analyses of cosmological data.

Furthermore, research on white dwarf stars has opened new avenues for testing theories of bosonic dark matter. A study submitted on October 30, 2025, explores discrepancies in mass measurements of white dwarfs, suggesting that these inconsistencies could be explained by the presence of a gravitationally coupled bosonic scalar field. This could account for the mass bias observed in various datasets, where a scalar field fraction of five to fifteen percent might contribute to the stellar mass, thereby providing a novel explanation for the observed redshift excess in these stars. The implications of this work extend to placing preliminary constraints on the mass of the underlying ultralight bosonic particles, which may shed light on the nature of dark matter itself.

These advancements underscore the critical role that computational simulations play in addressing the complexities and mysteries surrounding dark matter. By refining simulation models and integrating new theoretical frameworks, researchers aim to unlock deeper insights into the universe's structure and the fundamental properties of dark matter. As we prepare for more comprehensive data from future observational campaigns, the synergy between simulations and empirical research will be essential in the quest to understand the unseen components of our universe.