Topic
National Science Foundation (NSF)
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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 -
Scientists detect tones in the ringing of a newborn black hole for the first time
Results support Einstein’s theory and the idea that black holes have no “hair.”
September 12, 2019 -
Engineers develop multimaterial fiber “ink” for 3-D-printed devices
Filaments with embedded circuitry can be used to print complex shapes for biomedical and robotic devices.
September 11, 2019 -
Breakthrough Prize in Fundamental Physics awarded to Event Horizon Telescope Collaboration for black hole observation
Nearly 30 MIT-affiliated researchers will share in the prize, while David Jay Julius ’77 wins Breakthrough Prize in Life Sciences; assistant professor of physics Max Metlitski shares New Horizons prize with Xie Chen PhD ’12 and Michael Levin PhD ’06.
September 6, 2019 -
New science blooms after star researchers die, study finds
Deaths of prominent life scientists tend to be followed by a surge in highly cited research by newcomers.
August 29, 2019 -
Robotic thread is designed to slip through the brain’s blood vessels
Magnetically controlled device could deliver clot-reducing therapies in response to stroke or other brain blockages.
August 28, 2019 -
MIT engineers build advanced microprocessor out of carbon nanotubes
New approach harnesses the same fabrication processes used for silicon chips, offers key advance toward next-generation computers.
August 28, 2019 -
High-precision technique stores cellular “memory” in DNA
Engineers program human and bacterial cells to keep a record of complex molecular events.
August 22, 2019 -
Using recent gene flow to define microbe populations
New method identifies ecologically and medically relevant bacteria groups.
August 8, 2019 -
Study furthers radically new view of gene control
Along the genome, proteins form liquid-like droplets that appear to boost the expression of particular genes.
August 8, 2019