# New Physics in $b \to s \ell^+ \ell^-$ confronts new data on Lepton Universality

## TL;DR

Recent measurements of $R_K$ and $R_{K^*}$ suggest potential new physics in $b o s \, \ell^+ \ell^-$ transitions, with specific operator scenarios favored depending on hadronic uncertainty treatment.

## Contribution

This paper systematically analyzes the implications of new $R_K$ and $R_{K^*}$ data on lepton universality violation using effective field theories, identifying preferred operator scenarios.

## Key findings

- Preference for scenarios with specific operator combinations in Weak Effective Theory.
- Different scenarios favored depending on hadronic uncertainty treatment in SMEFT.
- Evidence supports new physics contributions affecting lepton flavor universality.

## Abstract

In light of the very recent updates on the $R_K$ and $R_{K^*}$ measurements from the LHCb and Belle collaborations, we systematically explore here imprints of New Physics in $b \to s \ell^+ \ell^- $ transitions using the language of effective field theories. We focus on effects that violate Lepton Flavour Universality both in the Weak Effective Theory and in the Standard Model Effective Field Theory. In the Weak Effective Theory we find a preference for scenarios with the simultaneous presence of two operators, a left-handed quark current with vector muon coupling and a right-handed quark current with axial muon coupling, irrespective of the treatment of hadronic uncertainties. In the Standard Model Effective Field Theory we select different scenarios according to the treatment of hadronic effects: while an aggressive estimate of hadronic uncertainties points to the simultaneous presence of two operators, one with left-handed quark and muon couplings and one with left-handed quark and right-handed muon couplings, a more conservative treatment of hadronic matrix elements leaves room for a broader set of scenarios, including the one involving only the purely left-handed operator with muon coupling.