Cell stiffness may indicate whether tumors will invade
Study shows tumors with softer, larger cells at their periphery are more likely to spread; may suggest new route for cancer therapy.
Department
Mechanical Engineering
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.
Professor Emeritus Woodie Flowers, innovator in design and engineering education, dies at 75
Beloved teacher and pioneer in hands-on engineering education developed design and robotics competitions at MIT, FIRST, and beyond, while promoting his concept of “gracious professionalism.”
“Electroadhesive” stamp picks up and puts down microscopic structures
New technique could enable assembly of circuit boards and displays with more minute components.
New capsule can orally deliver drugs that usually have to be injected
Coated pill carries microneedles that deliver insulin and other drugs to the lining of the small intestine.
Scientists observe a single quantum vibration under ordinary conditions
Studying a common material at room temperature, researchers bring quantum behavior “closer to our daily life.”
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.
Strong mentorship through great decision-making
Gabriella Carolini, Paula Hammond, and David Trumper honored as Committed to Caring graduate student mentors.
MIT.nano awards inaugural NCSOFT seed grants for gaming technologies
Five software and hardware projects will launch the MIT.nano Immersion Lab Gaming Program.
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.
Photovoltaic-powered sensors for the “internet of things”
RFID-based devices work in indoor and outdoor lighting conditions, and communicate at greater distances.
Game changer: How Christopher Weaver helped to transform video games and game studies at MIT
Revolutionizing video games with physics, Weaver has also influenced MIT students with lessons on design, virtual reality, storytelling, and games for social change.
3 Questions: Why sensing, why now, what next?
Brian Anthony, co-leader of SENSE.nano, discusses sensing for augmented and virtual reality and for advanced manufacturing.
An immersive experience in industry
Through the MechE Alliance’s Industry Immersion Program, graduate students get hands-on experience working on projects across a range of industries.
Soft robotics breakthrough manages immune response for implanted devices
Discovery could enable longer-lasting and better-functioning devices — including pacemakers, breast implants, biosensors, and drug delivery devices.