Direct detection of dark matter in supersymmetric models -: art. no. 007

We evaluate neutralino-nucleon scattering rates in several well-motivated supersymmetric models, and compare against constraints on the neutralino relic density, BF(b-->sgamma) as well as the muon anomalous magnetic moment a(mu). In the mSUGRA model, the indirect constraints favour the hyperbolic branch/focus point (HB/FP) region of parameter space, and in fact this region is just where neutralino-nucleon scattering rates are high enough to be detected in direct dark matter search experiments! In Yukawa unified SUSY SO(10) models with scalar mass non-universality, the relic density of neutralinos is almost always above experimental bounds, while the corresponding direct detection rates are below experimental levels. Conversely, in five-dimensional SO(10) models where gauge symmetry breaking is the result of compactification of the extra dimension, and supersymmetry breaking is communicated via gaugino mediation, the relic density is quite low, while direct detection rates can be substantial.