Spin designers
Caroline Ross and Geoffrey Beach are studying how the “spin” of electrons on nanomagnets could be manipulated to create faster, more energy-efficient computers.
Department
Materials Science and Engineering
Potash: Historical pathways to development
Diversity of sources and sustainable production methods are needed to meet world potassium fertilizer demand.
A renaissance in metals
Materials Day Symposium highlights breakthroughs in simulation methods, manufacturing techniques, and improved alloys.
Alloying tougher tungsten
MIT graduate student Zack Cordero deforms and compacts chromium-tungsten powders to create stronger metals with nanoscale microstructure.
Building on strength
Xtalic focuses on gold substitute, aluminum products following success with connector coatings.
Controlling a material with voltage
Technique could let a small electrical signal change materials’ electrical, thermal, and optical characteristics.
Bose grants reward risk
Five innovative, high-risk projects launch with support from Prof. Amar G. Bose Research Grants.
Striking the cord: Optical control of motor functions
Grad student Chi Lu and colleagues demonstrate a highly flexible polymer probe for triggering spinal-cord neurons with light and simultaneously recording their activity.
Nanoscale work yields big results
Silvija Gradečak’s nanoscale work creates big-scale results that could transform energy production, storage, and lighting.
Faculty highlight: Christopher Schuh
Metallurgist pushes grain boundaries: Nanostructured metal alloys deliver tougher materials, lower costs, and safer outcomes.
Concrete Sustainability Hub names Randolph Kirchain as co-director
Engineer studies materials' role in manufacturing and infrastructure.
Keeping hydrogen from cracking metals
MIT postdoctoral associate Mostafa Youssef and graduate student Aravind Krishnamoorthy tackle different aspects of the problem at atomic scale.
Better chemotherapy through targeted delivery
New approach could kill tumor cells in the brain more effectively and avoid side effects.
A bumper crop you shouldn’t bump
Sales at the annual Great Glass Pumpkin Patch cover the yearly expenses of the MIT Glass Lab.
Microscopic “walkers” find their way across cell surfaces
Technology could provide a way to deliver probes or drugs to cell structures without outside guidance.