Yale astronomers say that understanding the origins of black holes requires looking beyond the centers of galaxies and searching the "nooks and crannies" where "wanderers" can be found, according to a new study.
The research, highlighted in Yale University's Yale Today newsletter, focuses on roaming black holes that sit away from galactic cores. The astronomers report that these wandering black holes may tell the hidden history of galaxies.
"Roaming black holes may tell the hidden history of galaxies," the university said in describing the study.
The findings suggest that scientists seeking to trace how black holes formed should widen their search beyond galactic centers, where black holes are more commonly studied.
The newsletter also highlighted other Yale research and commentary, including a Q&A with child psychiatrist Thomas Fernandez on misophonia, a clinical condition that causes strong feelings of distress or anger in response to everyday sounds such as chewing or sniffing. Fernandez discussed recent Yale research into the condition's genetic roots and potential new treatments.
Separately, Lori Bruce, the new director of the Yale Bioethics Center, discussed in a Q&A how the center approaches questions such as consent for sensitive exams, support for parents who give up their babies, and regulation of psychedelic medicine, and how it works with legislators to guide real-world policy.
In media appearances, Caitlin Howarth of the Yale Humanitarian Research Lab discussed Connecticut-based aid organizations on Connecticut Public Radio, while psychiatrist Joel Gelernter told The New York Times there is "a linear relationship between alcohol consumption and risk for cognitive decline." Yale Law School's Sean O'Brien commented on "surveillance pricing" in Connecticut Insider, and cardiologist Kelly Hanretta appeared on WTNH with advice on reducing cardiovascular disease risk.
Yale also announced free football tickets for "Yale Day 2026," when the Bulldogs host Merrimack in their home opener on Saturday, Oct. 3, with free tickets for New Haven residents, Yale students, faculty, staff, and postdocs, plus a pregame Fan Zone with games and giveaways.