The Role of Antimatter Searches in the Hunt for Supersymmetric Dark Matter

We analyze the antimatter yield of supersymmetric (SUSY) models with large neutralino annihilation cross sections. We introduce three benchmark scenarios, respectively featuring bino, wino and higgsino-like lightest neutralinos, and we study in detail the resulting antimatter spectral features. We carry out a systematic and transparent comparison between current and future prospects for direct detection, neutrino telescopes and antimatter searches. We demonstrate that often, in the models we consider, antimatter searches are the only detection channel which already constrains the SUSY parameter space. Particularly large antiprotons fluxes are expected for wino-like lightest neutralinos, while significant antideuteron fluxes result from resonantly annihilating binos. We introduce a simple and general recipe which allows to assess the visibility of a given SUSY model at future antimatter search facilities. We provide evidence that upcoming space-based experiments, like PAMELA or AMS, are going to be, in many cases, the unique open road towards dark matter discovery.Comment: 34 pages, 18 figures; V2: misprints in the labels of fig. 2,3 and 5 correcte

Direct versus indirect detection in mSUGRA with self-consistent halo models

We perform a detailed analysis of the detection prospects of neutralino dark matter in the mSUGRA framework. We focus on models with a thermal relic density, estimated with high accuracy using the DarkSUSY package, in the range favored by current precision cosmological measurements. Direct and indirect detection rates are computed implementing two models for the dark matter halo, tracing opposite regimes for the phase of baryon infall, with fully consistent density profiles and velocity distribution functions. This has allowed, for the first time, a fully consistent comparison between direct and indirect detection prospects. We discuss all relevant regimes in the mSUGRA parameter space, underlining relevant effects, and providing the basis for extending the discussion to alternative frameworks. In general, we find that direct detection and searches for antideuterons in the cosmic rays seems to be the most promising ways to search for neutralinos in these scenarios.Comment: 26 pages, 9 figure

Bino Dark Matter and Big Bang Nucleosynthesis in the Constrained E6SSM with Massless Inert Singlinos

We discuss a new variant of the E6 inspired supersymmetric standard model (E6SSM) in which the two inert singlinos are exactly massless and the dark matter candidate has a dominant bino component. A successful relic density is achieved via a novel mechanism in which the bino scatters inelastically into heavier inert Higgsinos during the time of thermal freeze-out. The two massless inert singlinos contribute to the effective number of neutrino species at the time of Big Bang Nucleosynthesis, where the precise contribution depends on the mass of the Z' which keeps them in equilibrium. For example for mZ' > 1300 GeV we find Neff \approx 3.2, where the smallness of the additional contribution is due to entropy dilution. We study a few benchmark points in the constrained E6SSM with massless inert singlinos to illustrate this new scenario.Comment: 24 pages, revised for publication in JHE

Adiabatic compression and indirect detection of supersymmetric dark matter

Recent developments in the modelling of the dark matter distribution in our Galaxy point out the necessity to consider some physical processes to satisfy observational data. In particular, models with adiabatic compression, which include the effect of the baryonic gas in the halo, increase significantly the dark matter density in the central region of the Milky Way. On the other hand, the non-universality in scalar and gaugino sectors of supergravity models can also increase significantly the neutralino annihilation cross section. We show that the combination of both effects gives rise to a gamma-ray flux arising from the Galactic Center largely reachable by future experiments like GLAST. We also analyse in this framework the EGRET excess data above 1 GeV, as well as the recent data from CANGAROO and HESS. The analysis has been carried out imposing the most recent experimental constraints, such as the lower bound on the Higgs mass, the \bsg branching ratio, and the muon $g-2$. In addition, the recently improved upper bound on $B(B_s \to \mu^+ \mu^-)$ has also been taken into account. The astrophysical (WMAP) bounds on the dark matter density have also been imposed on the theoretical computation of the relic neutralino density through thermal production.Comment: 32 pages, 11 figures, final version to appear in JCA

Dark Matter in the MSSM

We have recently examined a large number of points in the parameter space of the phenomenological MSSM, the 19-dimensional parameter space of the CP-conserving MSSM with Minimal Flavor Violation. We determined whether each of these points satisfied existing experimental and theoretical constraints. This analysis provides insight into general features of the MSSM without reference to a particular SUSY breaking scenario or any other assumptions at the GUT scale. This study opens up new possibilities for SUSY phenomenology both in colliders and in astrophysical experiments. Here we shall discuss the implications of this analysis relevant to the study of dark matter.Comment: 27 pages, 19 figs; Journal version in NJP issue "Focus on Dark Matter and Particle Physics". Previous version had 26 pages, 19 figures. Text and some figures have been update

Enlarging mSUGRA parameter space by decreasing pre-BBN Hubble rate in Scalar-Tensor Cosmologies

We determine under what conditions Scalar Tensor cosmologies predict an expansion rate which is reduced as compared to the standard General Relativity case. We show that ST theories with a single matter sector typically predict an enchanced Hubble rate in the past, as a consequence of the requirement of an attractive fixed point towards General Relativity at late times. Instead, when additional matter sectors with different conformal factors are added, the late time convergence to General Relativity is mantained and at the same time a reduced expansion rate in the past can be driven. For suitable choices of the parameters which govern the scalar field evolution, a sizeable reduction (up to about 2 orders of magnitude) of the Hubble rate prior to Big Bang Nucleosynthesis can be obtained. We then discuss the impact of these cosmological models on the relic abundance of dark matter is minimal Supergravity models: we show that the cosmologically allowed regions in parameter space are significantly enlarged, implying a change in the potential reach of LHC on the neutralino phenomenology.Comment: 10 pages, 7 figure

Deliberations of the Safety Task Force:Risk factors and treatment of adverse events associated with aesthetic injectables

BackgroundThe growing popularity of aesthetic procedures involving fillers, biostimulators, and neurotoxins has prompted concerns about patient safety. To address these concerns, a global Safety Task Force (STF) was formed.AimsThe inaugural STF meeting prioritized vascular compromise prevention and management, guiding clinical trial design and materials for future meetings, and collecting data from experts on current safety methods.MethodsThe STF was formed and consisted of 16 experts from nine different countries, with each possessing distinct expertise in various fields related to aesthetic injectables. Current safety data, protocols, knowledge gaps and future research priorities were discussed and voted upon.ResultsThe establishment of a global database for tracking filler-related AEs was favored by 93% of participants. Discussions revolved around the database's scope, data standardization, and whether non-medical contributors should be included. Aspiration as a safety technique garnered support from 73% of participants. Approximately 43% of participants incorporate ultrasound in their injections, with divergent opinions on its impact and potential when used as a standard of practice versus in AE management. Most physicians on the task force incorporated cannula use for some of their injections (93%). There were varying perspectives on treatments for vascular adverse events (VAE), the primary causes, and the adoption of new protocols in the field.ConclusionsThe STF meeting underscored the need for a coordinated effort to address complications related to HA fillers, including VAE management and hyaluronidase protocols. Reliable treatment endpoints were evaluated, but improved measurement methods are needed. Future meetings will focus on addressing delayed complications, furthering safety in this field