Roughly 85 percent of mass in the universe is "dark matter" -- mysterious material that can't be directly observed but has an immense influence on the cosmos. What exactly is this strange stuff, and what does it have to do with our existence? Astrophysicist Risa Wechsler explores why dark matter may be the key to understanding how the universe formed -- and shares how physicists in labs around the world are coming up with creative ways to study it.

Risa Wechsler: The search for dark matter -- and what we've found so far

The search for dark matter -- and what we've found so far

Without dark matter, galaxies, including the Milky Way, couldn't form, highlighting its unseen yet foundational cosmic impact.

Despite its pervasive influence, dark matter remains a mystery, fueling global scientific endeavors to unveil its secrets.

Dark matter, elusive yet omnipresent, shapes galaxies but escapes detection, challenging our understanding of the universe.