Scientists used a levitating magnet to hunt for dark matter

The quantum-based technique could reveal the presence of hypothetical ultralight particles

A cylindrical magnet floats above a styrofoam container surrounded by a haze.

A magnet levitates over a superconductor. Scientists used this phenomenon in a search for ultralight dark matter.

Forance/Alamy Stock Photo

In a first-of-its-kind test, scientists used a levitated magnet to search for dark matter, the unidentified substance believed to be present throughout the cosmos.