'Like trying to see fog in the dark': How strange pulses of energy are helping scientists build the ultimate map of the universe

Scientists use fast radio bursts (FRBs) to locate the universe's missing "ordinary" matter. These energy pulses slow down when passing through baryonic matter, helping map 30% of cosmic material that has eluded detection. The discovery gained momentum when an FRB was traced to a "dead" galaxy, challenging previous understandings. Astronomers believe about 76% of baryons exist between galaxies in a "cosmic web," with new telescope projects aiming to create a 3D map of the universe's matter distribution.