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Scientists believe they may be one step closer to detecting dark matter for the first time, but the findings have not been verified by independent researchers.<\/b><\/p>\n
Scientists from the University of Bristol were part of a two-year study to try and measure the invisible substance thought to make up over 85% of the universe.<\/a><\/p>\n Using a sensitive detector in an an underground laboratory in the US, the researchers saw an atom and mystery particle colliding.<\/p>\n Lead researcher physicist Dr Sam Eriksen said it could be “the first step in understanding dark matter as a particle”, but further research could also reveal that the particle is not related to dark matter.<\/p>\n “Following a huge amount of scientific effort, this is incredibly exciting,” the University of Bristol senior research associate added. <\/p>\n Although scientists have long been certain of the existence of dark matter, because it is invisible as it reflects no light.<\/p>\n While it is thought to make up the majority of mass in the universe, it has never been directly detected. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n