3 Questions: What should scientists and the public know about nuclear waste?
Professor Haruko Wainwright describes a new effort to communicate information about managing and disposing of spent fuel from nuclear reactors.
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How to prevent biofilms in space
Microbial or fungal biofilms on spacecraft can clog hoses and filters, or make astronauts sick. Space Station tests show that a surface treatment can help.
Sensing and controlling microscopic spin density in materials
By fine-tuning the spin density in some materials, researchers may be able to develop new quantum sensors or quantum simulations.
MIT engineers create an energy-storing supercapacitor from ancient materials
Made of cement, carbon black, and water, the device could provide cheap and scalable energy storage for renewable energy sources.
Researchers develop a new source of quantum light
The device emits a stream of single photons and could provide a basis for optical quantum computers.
Tiny diamond rotor could improve protein studies
A new way of machining microscale rotors from diamond crystal can enable ultrasensitive NMR devices for probing proteins and other materials.
Study reveals new ways for exotic quasiparticles to “relax”
A perovskite-based device that combines aspects of electronics and photonics may open doors to new kinds of computer chips or quantum qubits.
Deep-learning system explores materials’ interiors from the outside
A new method could provide detailed information about internal structures, voids, and cracks, based solely on data about exterior conditions.
MIT engineers devise technology to prevent fouling in photobioreactors for CO2 capture
Applying a small voltage to the walls of algae growing tanks can prevent cloudy buildup and allow more photosynthesis to happen.
Scientists uncover the amazing way sandgrouse hold water in their feathers
The structure of the desert birds’ belly feathers enables males to carry water over long distances to their chicks.
New additives could turn concrete into an effective carbon sink
MIT engineers discover new carbonation pathways for creating more environmentally friendly concrete.
Tackling counterfeit seeds with “unclonable” labels
Fake seeds can cost farmers more than two-thirds of expected crop yields and threaten food security. Trackable silk labels could help.
Minimizing electric vehicles’ impact on the grid
Careful planning of charging station placement could lessen or eliminate the need for new power plants, a new study shows.
Integrating humans with AI in structural design
A process that seeks feedback from human specialists proves more effective at optimization than automated systems working alone.
How to pull carbon dioxide out of seawater
A new method for removing the greenhouse gas from the ocean could be far more efficient than existing systems for removing it from the air.