How some skills become second nature
Patterns of gaze and attention can reveal how some people unconsciously figure out how to master a task, new research shows.
Department
Mechanical Engineering
A “ChatGPT for spreadsheets” helps solve difficult engineering challenges faster
The approach could help engineers tackle extremely complex design problems, from power grid optimization to vehicle design.
MIT-Royalty Pharma Faculty Founder Initiative supports biotech innovators
Offering substantial prize funding alongside workshops, classes, and mentorship, the initiative helps translate early-stage biotech research into venture-ready innovation.
Designing a more resilient future for plants, from the cell up
Foray Bioscience, founded by Ashley Beckwith SM ’18, PhD ’22, is engineering single plant cells to create new materials and meet growing demand.
Tackling industry’s burdensome bubble problem
MIT researchers uncovered the physics behind bubble-removing membranes that could improve bioreactors, chemical production, and more.
MIT community members elected to the National Academy of Engineering for 2026
Seven faculty members, along with 12 additional alumni, are honored for significant contributions to engineering research, practice, and education.
Exploring the promise of regenerative aquaculture at an Arkansas fish farm
Through research with MIT D-Lab, MIT engineering student Kiyoko “Kik” Hayano worked with Keo Fish Farms to build a model for regenerative water systems.
A streamlined way to make steel could reduce America’s reliance on imports
Hertha Metals, founded by Laureen Meroueh SM ’18, PhD ’20, uses an electric arc furnace, powered by natural gas and electricity, to melt and reduce low-grade iron ore in a single step.
Maria Yang named vice provost for faculty
Design leader brings extensive interdisciplinary track record to key role supporting faculty across the Institute.
Magnetic mixer improves 3D bioprinting
MagMix, an onboard mixing device, enables scalable manufacturing of 3D-printed tissues.
3 Questions: Using AI to help Olympic skaters land a quint
MIT Sports Lab researchers are applying AI technologies to help figure skaters improve. They also have thoughts on whether five-rotation jumps are humanly possible.
A quick stretch switches this polymer’s capacity to transport heat
The flexible material could enable on-demand heat dissipation for electronics, fabrics, and buildings.
3D-printed metamaterials that stretch and fail by design
New framework supports design and fabrication of compliant materials such as printable textiles and functional foams, letting users predict deformation and material failure.
SMART launches new Wearable Imaging for Transforming Elderly Care research group
WITEC is working to develop the first wearable ultrasound imaging system to monitor chronic conditions in real-time, with the goal of enabling earlier detection and timely intervention.
New tissue models could help researchers develop drugs for liver disease
Two models more accurately replicate the physiology of the liver, offering a new way to test treatments for fat buildup.