Topic
National Science Foundation (NSF)
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New instrument extends LIGO’s reach
Technology “squeezes” out quantum noise so more gravitational wave signals can be detected.
December 5, 2019 -
A new way to control microbial metabolism
Chemical engineers program bacteria to switch between different metabolic pathways, boosting their yield of desirable products.
December 2, 2019 -
Researchers generate terahertz laser with laughing gas
Device may enable “T-ray vision” and better wireless communication.
November 14, 2019 -
Chemists observe “spooky” quantum tunneling
Extremely large electric fields can prevent umbrella-shaped ammonia molecules from inverting.
November 4, 2019 -
Double-sided tape for tissues could replace surgical sutures
New adhesive that binds wet surfaces within seconds could be used to heal wounds or implant medical devices.
October 30, 2019 -
Self-transforming robot blocks jump, spin, flip, and identify each other
Developed at MIT’s Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence Laboratory, robots can self-assemble to form various structures with applications including inspection.
October 30, 2019 -
New synthesis method yields degradable polymers
Materials could be useful for delivering drugs or imaging agents in the body; may offer alternative to some industrial plastics.
October 28, 2019 -
Putting the “bang” in the Big Bang
Physicists simulate critical “reheating” period that kickstarted the Big Bang in the universe’s first fractions of a second.
October 24, 2019 -
Antarctic ice cliffs may not contribute to sea-level rise as much as predicted
Study finds even the tallest ice cliffs should support their own weight rather than collapsing catastrophically.
October 21, 2019 -
Giving robots a faster grasp
An algorithm speeds up the planning process robots use to adjust their grip on objects, for picking and sorting, or tool use.
October 17, 2019 -
Scientists discover fractal patterns in a quantum material
The X-ray-focusing lens used in the experiment is based on a design used in lighthouses for centuries.
October 16, 2019 -
Study reveals how mucus tames microbes
Specialized sugar molecules called glycans can disarm opportunistic pathogens and prevent infection.
October 14, 2019 -
“Electroadhesive” stamp picks up and puts down microscopic structures
New technique could enable assembly of circuit boards and displays with more minute components.
October 11, 2019 -
New method visualizes groups of neurons as they compute
Fluorescent probe could allow scientists to watch circuits within the brain and link their activity to specific behaviors.
October 9, 2019 -
Using machine learning to hunt down cybercriminals
Model from the Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence Laboratory identifies “serial hijackers” of internet IP addresses.
October 8, 2019 -
A new mathematical approach to understanding zeolites
Study of minerals widely used in industrial processes could lead to discovery of new materials for catalysis and filtering.
October 7, 2019 -
Oobleck’s weird behavior is now predictable
MIT engineers develop a model that predicts how the cornstarch-water mixture turns from liquid to solid, and back again.
October 5, 2019 -
A new way to corrosion-proof thin atomic sheets
Ultrathin coating could protect 2D materials from corrosion, enabling their use in optics and electronics.
October 4, 2019 -
This flat structure morphs into shape of a human face when temperature changes
New structural design could lead to self-deploying tents or adaptive robotic fins.
September 30, 2019 -
Technique can image individual proteins within synapses
Rapid imaging method could help reveal how conditions such as autism affect brain cells.
September 26, 2019