New insights challenge the long-held belief that dark matter was “cold” in the immediate aftermath of the Big Bang. A groundbreaking study from the University of Minnesota Twin Cities and the University of Paris-Saclay reveals that dark matter particles might have been extraordinarily hot and traveling at near-light speeds in the primordial universe, before cooling down during the formative epochs of galaxies and large-scale structures.
Hypothetical dark matter particles. Image credit: University of Adelaide.
For decades, physicists have categorized dark matter based on the velocity of its constituent particles. Cold dark matter is slow enough to clump under gravitational forces, contributing to the formation of galaxies and galaxy clusters.
This categorization is a cornerstone of the standard cosmological model, explaining the universe’s intricate web-like structure.
However, the recent findings indicate that dark matter may have emerged from the hot plasma of the early universe in an ultrarelativistic state—essentially moving at ultra-high speeds—before cooling adequately during the formation of cosmic structures.
This refined perspective broadens the potential behaviors of dark matter particles and expands the pool of candidate particles physicists can investigate through experiments and astronomical observations.
The study concentrates on a critical phase in the early universe known as reheating, which followed an explosive inflationary expansion.
During the reheating phase, the energy fueling the universe’s expansion transformed into a dense hot mixture of particles and radiation.
This discovery suggests that under certain conditions, dark matter produced during this period could exist at speeds approaching that of light while still aligning with the vast universe we observe today.
If validated, these findings could significantly impact ongoing dark matter detection initiatives, including particle colliders, underground detectors, and astrophysical studies.
Moreover, they pose new theoretical challenges regarding the fundamental nature of dark matter and its role in the universe’s evolution.
“Dark matter remains one of the biggest mysteries in physics,” explains Stephen Henrik, a graduate student at the University of Minnesota.
“Historically, one consistent assumption has been that dark matter must be cold at its inception in the primordial universe.”
“Our findings reveal a different narrative. In fact, dark matter may start off as red-hot, but has ample time to cool before galaxies commence formation.”
“The simplest dark matter candidate, low-mass neutrinos, was deemed incompatible decades ago because they could annihilate galaxy-sized structures instead of facilitating them,” states Keith Olive, a professor at the University of Minnesota.
“Neutrinos serve as a prime example of hot dark matter, whose structural formation relies on cold dark matter.”
“If a similar candidate arose during the hot Big Bang, it’s remarkable that it could cool sufficiently to behave as cold dark matter.”
“This new discovery allows us to explore a period in the universe’s history that is very close to the Big Bang,” adds Professor Yann Mambrini, a physicist at the University of Paris-Saclay.
The team’s research has been published in the journal Physical Review Letters.
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Stephen E. Henrik et al. 2025. Ultra-relativistic freezeout: Bridge from WIMP to FIMP. Physics Review Letters 135, 221002; doi: 10.1103/zk9k-nbpj
You may have heard from biohacking podcasters, flashy social media ads, nutrition experts, or radiant influencers that effectively managing your blood sugar is crucial for maintaining good health.
Blood sugar management is no longer solely a diabetic concern; it’s now heralded as essential for achieving an ideal diet, endless energy, and decreased inflammation.
It’s no wonder that online searches for “blood sugar” have surged by over 30% in the last five years, leading to a booming global market for continuous blood glucose monitors, which are expected to grow tenfold within the next decade.
Yet, amidst all this excitement, there’s a crucial message that many doctors want to convey: Most people don’t need to worry about their blood sugar levels at all. Health proponents often misinterpret this aspect.
As Dr. Nicola Guess, a clinical and academic nutritionist at the University of Oxford, puts it: “These individuals are misinformed.”
Don’t Fear the Roller Coasters
You’ve likely learned to be wary of the “peaks and troughs” in blood sugar levels—but what does that actually entail?
Picture consuming a slice of soft, airy white bread. When you digest carbohydrates, they break down into glucose, a simple sugar that enters your bloodstream.
In a healthy metabolism, your body responds by releasing insulin—a hormone that facilitates glucose transport from the blood into cells for energy. When insulin functions properly, blood sugar levels begin to decline.
As white bread is a refined carbohydrate, it converts to glucose rapidly, causing a swift spike in blood sugar levels followed by an equally quick insulin response to bring it back down.
The outcome? A notable blood sugar peak accompanied by a swift drop.
A slice of white bread can spike your blood sugar more quickly than sugar – Image credit: Getty Images
At first glance, this may sound concerning. Health influencers often warn that such blood sugar fluctuations can lead to inflammation, fatigue, cravings, and, in the long run, decreased metabolic health.
This leads to recommendations against foods that trigger rapid blood sugar changes, including white bread, pasta, white rice, potatoes, cookies, cakes, and pastries.
Instead, they advocate for low-glycemic foods like vegetables, legumes, meats, fish, and healthy fats, believed to maintain stable blood sugar levels.
While this advice holds some truth—eating protein, fiber, and fat alongside carbohydrates can moderate your blood sugar response—it’s important to reconsider the bread scenario.
Applying a generous layer of butter can slow glucose absorption, thereby controlling the blood sugar rise.
Switching to whole wheat bread increases dietary fiber, making it denser. Adding some oily peanut butter can further balance the fat and protein intake.
However, for good health, it’s not necessary to meticulously monitor the balance of fat, protein, carbohydrates, and fiber in every meal. Despite common fears, most fluctuations in blood sugar levels are normal and not something to stress over.
“Blood sugar levels should rise after consuming a carb-heavy meal. This is a standard physiological reaction,” explains Sarah Berry, Professor of Nutritional Science at King’s College London and Chief Scientist at the nutrition company ZOE.
“Blood sugar levels fluctuate, but our bodies are adept at managing this.”
read more:
Peaks and Valleys Are Normal
One of the most enduring but misleading beliefs about blood sugar is that daily fluctuations lead to harmful inflammation.
You may have encountered a TikTok video showcasing a blood sugar monitor graph or read a caption under a photo of avocado toast promising an “anti-inflammatory” blood sugar hack.
However, inflammation isn’t inherently negative.
“Postprandial glucose fluctuations stimulate inflammation, as it’s a natural response to eating,” asserts Dr. Guess.
She clarifies that our immune systems get a small boost with every meal to defend against potential threats like bacteria and pathogens.
This mild, short-lived inflammation is not only typical but often beneficial.
“The issue arises when blood sugar levels soar and then plummet,” Berry states. “If this pattern occurs repeatedly over time, it can heighten the risk of chronic diseases.”
Individuals without diabetes are tracking their blood sugar levels – Image courtesy of Getty Images
In essence, a consistently high intake of refined carbohydrates and sugary foods can result in frequent blood sugar spikes, increasing your risk of developing type 2 diabetes and other metabolic disorders over time.
Nonetheless, for most individuals, occasional peaks and dips in blood sugar after meals are completely normal and harmless.
“Moderate spikes and dips in blood sugar are not detrimental,” Berry asserts.
The Afternoon Slump Mystery
You’ve likely heard that blood sugar fluctuations contribute to energy variations, and that peaks and troughs are responsible for your mid-afternoon slump. While there’s some truth to this, scientists still understand only part of the puzzle.
Though the science in this domain remains relatively nascent, recent research, including studies led by Berry, suggests that some individuals may feel fatigued and anxious when their blood sugar levels dip. However, blood sugar might be just one element contributing to this fatigue.
Factors like sleep quality, stress levels, and individual biological differences might equally or more significantly influence energy levels.
“There’s much we don’t know,” admits Guess. “Understanding how people feel is challenging to measure objectively.”
Afternoon slumps aren’t solely due to blood sugar levels; lack of sleep, stress, and your body’s circadian rhythms all contribute – Image credit: Getty Images
While the precise cause of fatigue and sudden energy changes remains unclear, a slight drop in blood sugar levels is typically not hazardous, particularly for those without diabetes.
An afternoon slump doesn’t pose a life-threatening risk nor will it likely affect your long-term health.
This is because the body doesn’t rely exclusively on glucose for energy; it operates on multiple fuel types. If humans were vehicles, we would be hybrids capable of utilizing different energy sources to function efficiently.
“Glucose serves as gasoline; it’s just one type of energy source for the body,” explains Guess. “Our bodies can alternate between using stored fat for energy and energy derived from food intake.”
A temporary drop in blood sugar might make you feel slightly unwell, but it doesn’t imply you’re running on empty; your body simply adapts and taps into other energy reserves.
It’s not on the brink of failure; it’s merely switching fuel sources.
No Blood Sugar Hacks Needed
You might have come across tips, tricks, and hacks designed to prevent those annoying peaks and troughs in blood sugar levels (which are usually benign).
For instance, there are suggestions to sprinkle cheese on grapes, dip apple slices in peanut butter, and start meals with vegetables to moderate your blood sugar response.
These hacks can be beneficial for individuals who are prediabetic, diabetic, or insulin resistant. As we’ve explored, including fat, protein, and fiber with your carbohydrates can help stabilize blood sugar responses.
However, for the majority of us, Guess asserts that these tips are largely unnecessary.
Blood sugar hacks may be trending, but for most people, they’re unnecessary – Image courtesy of Alamy
Even for individuals facing metabolic issues, adding extra fats can lead to unnecessary caloric intake, according to her.
“Weight gain is the primary contributor to insulin resistance, prediabetes, and type 2 diabetes; the solution for all these conditions is weight loss,” she clarifies. “Adding fat to carbohydrates only obstructs weight loss.”
Berry underscored that the route to better blood sugar levels isn’t through simple tricks but a balanced diet incorporating protein, fat, and fiber.
Blood Sugar Monitor Concerns
Some individuals amplify their blood sugar apprehensions. In recent times, it has become more common for non-diabetics to utilize continuous glucose monitors (CGMs). Originally deemed medical devices for type 1 diabetes patients, these sensors attach to the arm and track blood sugar levels in real time.
Dr. David Unwin, a general practitioner with a focus on nutrition, mentions that CGMs can be advantageous for patients with diabetes, prediabetes, or excessive junk food consumption, as they provide “like having a police officer on your arm,” offering instant feedback about hidden sugars in food.
Many CGM providers suggest wearing the device briefly, such as for two weeks, to observe how blood sugar levels react to various meals.
However, Berry argues that constant CGM use is “neither necessary nor beneficial for healthy individuals.” Guess cautions that it could lead to “profound anxiety and negative impacts on mental health” surrounding food choices.
In extreme cases, this anxiety can spiral into dangerously obsessive eating behaviors, like orthorexia. Orthorexia is an eating disorder characterized by an obsession with perfect health.
While evidence suggesting CGM use can escalate to orthorexia is scarce, Unwin notes that those who monitored their blood sugar levels did not exhibit signs of developing eating disorders.
Still, any eating behavior can evolve into an obsession, and relying on blood sugar levels as a measure of food quality is a “false flag,” according to Guess.
Over 2 million people in the United States use continuous blood glucose monitors – Image courtesy of Getty Images
Berry added: “Some may opt for cookies over bananas after learning that bananas spike blood sugar levels more than cookies. Clearly, that’s absurd.”
Similarly, orange juice can cause a notable increase in blood sugar levels, whereas sodas with artificial sweeteners may not. However, while orange juice is a source of vitamin C and other nutrients, soda often contains artificial additives that provide minimal to no nutritional value.
Likewise, lard impacts blood sugar levels minimally, yet as a saturated fat, it can adversely affect heart health.
Ultimately, Berry asserts that blood sugar levels represent only “one piece of the puzzle,” and dietary guidance should consider aspects like cholesterol, blood pressure, weight, and gut health—not solely blood sugar.
When addressing significant health threats, particularly heart disease, high blood pressure and cholesterol are “far more critical than glucose,” Guess emphasizes.
In contrast, “the influence of food on blood sugar levels is likely to have a minimal effect on overall health,” she adds.
In essence, refrain from fixating too much on blood sugar levels; even an awareness of them might not lead to substantial improvements. And if that focus dictates your meal choices, you may be overlooking the broader picture.
“As a nutritional scientist, I don’t want to overshadow the essence of food: It is meant to be enjoyed!” Berry concludes.
when Microsoft revealed plans to acquire Activision-Blizzard in 2022 for over $68 billion, the industry was stunned. This announcement echoed the recent significant shifts in the sector: prominent publishers known for iconic sports titles like Madden and EA Sports FC (formerly FIFA) have opted for a private acquisition often dubbed “the largest leveraged buyout in history.” This $55 billion deal is backed by a trio of investors resembling a final boss lineup on paper.
Introducing Player 1: Saudi Arabia’s Sovereign Wealth Fund. The Saudi royal family has made substantial investments in gaming over the years and leads an astute gaming group headed by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, known for his controversial record with domestic issues and the assassination of journalist Jamal Khashoggi. Player 2: Affinity Partners, an investment firm led by Jared Kushner, the son-in-law of the current U.S. president. Player 3: Silver Lake, a notorious private equity firm, which owns a significant stake in game engine developer Unity. Stephen Totilo from Game File refers to the Affinity Partners logo as a mirror image, reminiscent of the Evil Corporation in the Assassin’s Creed series. It feels almost surreal.
You might be curious about Saudi Arabia’s extensive investment in gaming. They have heavily funded eSports and even launched the ESports World Cup in Riyadh. They’ve acquired the manufacturer of Monopoly GO and purchased shares in numerous gaming companies, including Pokémon GO and Nintendo. (Game file provides a thorough overview of Saudi capital in the gaming industry.) The motivation behind these investments parallels their funding of sports, media, and lately, comedy. It serves as a strategy for whitewashing perspectives, or in this instance, game-washing, showcasing the cultural clout of video games.
Mohammed bin Salman. Photo: Royal Saudi Court/Reuters
Regarding Affinity Partners and Silver Lake: There’s potential for profit. EA reported over $2 billion in profit last fiscal year, primarily from sports franchises. EA also owns The Sims and Battlefield, two franchises that could yield significant returns. Previously, EA was a more diversified publisher, with a rich portfolio including Dragon Age and Titanfall. However, under current CEO Andrew Wilson, their focus has shifted mainly to the most lucrative sports franchises.
Critics of this acquisition often highlight Saudi Arabia’s involvement. Thousands of developers and millions of gamers within EA feel unsettled (especially since The Sims has a significant LGBTQ+ following). Opinions among business journalists and analysts vary. Kotaku’s Ethan Gach discussed with several of them in this article. One notable quote from NYU’s Joost Van Dreunen states, “The center exhibits an irrational financial logic concerning power, fame, and the implications of Saudi Arabia’s role in American entertainment.”
Business analysts pointed out that the acquisition places EA under a staggering $20 billion in debt, as reported by Bloomberg. Questions arise about how the new EA ownership intends to manage this debt. Will there be more layoffs or budget cuts? Will they reduce profits from popular features like Ultimate Team Mode in EA Sports FC? Or might they abandon the flagging mobile gaming sector? For both players and EA employees, returning to normal business operations seems uncertain.
Electronic Arts is not the industry’s favorite publisher, and it doesn’t have the best reputation. However, it’s vital to remember the thousands of dedicated employees behind the scenes. Despite EA’s business practices that may frustrate gamers, it’s essential to consider the talents and projects of these people across the gaming industry. Even without oppressive ownership, such private equity takeovers often harm both employee morale and the industry’s overall health. Fans of FIFA, for instance, might reflect on the financial struggles of clubs like Manchester United post-acquisition, plagued by immense debt.
Nonetheless, one individual relishing this deal is CEO Andrew Wilson. “This moment embodies your creativity, innovation, and passion. Everything we’ve accomplished, and everything ahead, is for you,” he proclaimed in a public statement. “Our values and commitment to players and fans globally remain unchanged. We will maintain operational excellence and rigor, enabling team creativity, accelerating innovation, and pursuing transformative opportunities to secure EA’s leadership in the future of entertainment.”
Interestingly, Wilson holds tens of millions of EA shares, currently valued at £157 should the acquisition go through. Doesn’t that warm even the most cynical of hearts?
What to play
Yotei’s ghost. Photo: Undefined/Sony/Soccer Punch
It’s fascinating that two stunning, highly-priced historical fiction games set in Japan have launched within just six months of each other. Yet, here we are.
The Ghost of Yotei releases tomorrow, featuring a female warrior on a quest for revenge across the most breathtaking landscapes ever created in gaming, echoing the essence of Assassin’s Creed. I enjoyed Shadows earlier this year; its beauty and performance are undeniable. However, I find Yotei even more enthralling. It’s far more engaging without reliance on maps or magical visions for locating enemies, instead compelling players to follow the sounds of birds, foxes, and those in need. The minimalistic mechanics, like igniting campfires or crafting sumi-e art, delight. Combat feels exhilarating, embodying an old-school vibe similar to Soul Calibur during duels. I’m pleasantly surprised by how much I appreciate this game, considering Ghost of Tsushima felt less fresh five years ago. Our protagonist, Atsu, seems far less tormented than Ghost of Tsushima’s protagonist, Jin.
Available on: PlayStation 5 Estimated playtime: Over 30 hours
Promotional images from bullies. Photo: Rockstar Game
IGN Interview with Rockstar co-founder Dan Hauser, who recently appeared at LA Comic Con. He’s known for being elusive and shared that his favorite title is Red Dead Redemption 2, also expressing regret over not following through on the boarding school satire.
Insomniac Games’ Wolverine has finally revealed its gameplay trailer. Given how well Spider-Man was adapted, I’m optimistic about this release slated for next year. As a fan of Housemarque’s thrilling sci-fi title Returnal, I eagerly watched the follow-up footage for Saros, set for a March 2026 launch.
Rog Xbox Ally is a poorly named yet highly anticipated handheld Xbox-compatible device priced at £500/£800. Microsoft has confirmed it, placing it in competition with the Steam Deck.
In Nintendo news, US President Doug Bowser has announced his impending retirement. He will be succeeded by Devon Pritchard, who has served at Nintendo for 19 years. Rumor has it that she may change her name to Devonganon. Moreover, there’s an upcoming pop-up store of Japanese department stores set to open in London later this month, with fans gaining access in March.
What to click
Question block
Astro Playroom. Photo: Sony
This week, reader Kevin asks:
“At age 68, I’ve developed an interest in gaming. I purchased a PS5 Pro and am currently waiting for its arrival. Could you provide a guide on how to use the controller?”
Welcome to the world of gaming, Kevin! It’s fantastic to hear someone is taking the plunge into gaming, especially if it involves pressing buttons!
For mastering the PS5 controller, I highly recommend Astro’s Playroom. It’s a delightful and engaging experience featuring small robots living within PlayStation. This short yet enjoyable game serves as an excellent tutorial for the unique functionalities of the PS5 controller and has even assisted my two sons in navigating more complex controls. If you find it enjoyable, be sure to check out the full-length sequel, expected to be a contender for Game of the Year in 2024.
If you have a question for the “Question Block” or any comments about the newsletter, feel free to reply or reach out to us at butingbuttons@theguardian.com.
Tesla wants to suspend a federal lawsuit against it for racial bias against black workers at its Fremont assembly plant.
The electric car maker said in a filing Monday in San Francisco federal court that the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) filed a lawsuit against Tesla in September as part of “harmful interagency competition” with the California civil rights agency. accused of rushing. The company sued the automaker last year on similar grounds.
The EEOC’s lawsuit alleges that Tesla violated federal law by condoning widespread and ongoing racial harassment of Black employees and retaliating against some employees who opposed the harassment. EEOC filings state that Black workers were accused of using slurs and epithets such as the N-word, variations such as “monkey,” “boy,” and “black bitch,” as well as racist graffiti that called for violence against Black people. There are detailed reports that it has withstood casual use. Other forms of abuse.
The California Civil Rights Division’s complaint against Tesla also includes similar examples of harassment from black workers.
Both lawsuits are pending in state court and allege that Tesla violated California anti-discrimination laws. The EEOC’s lawsuit also includes allegations that Tesla violated federal laws prohibiting racial discrimination and harassment in the workplace.
Tesla also faces a proposed class action lawsuit filed by workers in 2017 alleging racial harassment.
The EEOC did not immediately respond to TechCrunch’s request for comment.
Tesla’s Monday filing says a federal court should refuse to file a third lawsuit until the existing lawsuit is resolved. Lawyers for the automakers argued that prosecuting the three cases simultaneously would involve a “substantial duplication of effort,” risk “inconsistent court decisions,” and waste judicial resources.
Tesla is calling for something called the Colorado River Abstention Principle here. This is a legal principle that allows a federal court to recuse itself from hearing a case if there is a parallel case in a state court dealing with the same issue. The goal behind this principle is to avoid duplicative litigation and promote more efficient justice.
The turf battle Tesla refers to in its filing is between the EEOC and the California Civil Rights Department (CRD), formerly the Department of Fair Employment and Housing. The filing argues that historically the EEOC and CRD have worked together to protect entities from being subject to the same lawsuits from both agencies.
“That historic coordination and cooperation has disintegrated as agencies have become increasingly eager to file headline-grabbing complaints and report multi-million dollar settlements,” the filing said. It is stated in
Tesla has repeatedly denied wrongdoing in multiple racial discrimination incidents. Monday’s filing called the allegations “false” and accused the EEOC of “hastily covering them up.”[ping] Launching a bogus pre-litigation investigation. ”
The company is also appealing a $3.2 million award in a separate racial bias lawsuit to a black former contractor at the Fremont plant.
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