Two MIT teams selected for NSF sustainable materials grants
Chosen from 16 finalist teams, the MIT-led projects will investigate quantum topological materials and sustainable microchip production.
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How light can vaporize water without the need for heat
Surprising “photomolecular effect” discovered by MIT researchers could affect calculations of climate change and may lead to improved desalination and drying processes.
With inspiration from “Tetris,” MIT researchers develop a better radiation detector
The device, based on simple tetromino shapes, could determine the direction and distance of a radiation source, with fewer detector pixels.
MIT researchers discover “neutronic molecules”
Study shows neutrons can bind to nanoscale atomic clusters known as quantum dots. The finding may provide insights into material properties and quantum effects.
With a new experimental technique, MIT engineers probe the mechanisms of landslides and earthquakes
The behavior of granular materials has been difficult to visualize, but a new method reveals their internal forces in 3D detail.
A new way to quantify climate change impacts: “Outdoor days”
This measure, developed by MIT researchers, reflects direct effects on people’s quality of life — and reveals significant global disparities.
Lessons from Fukushima: Prepare for the unlikely
An analysis of the 2011 nuclear accident reveals a need for more preparation, training, and protocols for responding to low-probability accidents.
Study finds lands used for grazing can worsen or help climate change
Too much livestock on a given amount of land can lead to carbon losses, but appropriate numbers can actually help sequester the carbon.
Reducing pesticide use while increasing effectiveness
In field tests, MIT spinoff AgZen demonstrated that its feedback-optimized spraying system could halve the pesticide needs of farms and improve crop yields.
Tests show high-temperature superconducting magnets are ready for fusion
Detailed study of magnets built by MIT and Commonwealth Fusion Systems confirms they meet requirements for an economic, compact fusion power plant.
Study unlocks nanoscale secrets for designing next-generation solar cells
The work will help researchers tune surface properties of perovskites, a promising alternative and supplement to silicon, for more efficient photovoltaics.
Explained: Carbon credits
Can carbon trading systems reduce global emissions, or are they little more than greenwashing? Clear, enforceable standards may make the difference.
With just a little electricity, MIT researchers boost common catalytic reactions
Applying a small voltage to a catalyst can increase the rates of reactions used in petrochemical processing, pharmaceutical manufacture, and many other processes.
MIT engineers develop a way to determine how the surfaces of materials behave
Using machine learning, the computational method can provide details of how materials work as catalysts, semiconductors, or battery components.
In a surprising finding, light can make water evaporate without heat
A newly identified process could explain a variety of natural phenomena and enable new approaches to desalination.