Mechanical Engineering

MIT engineers have developed robotic thread (in black) that can be steered magnetically and is small enough to work through narrow spaces such as the vasculature of the human brain. The researchers envision the technology may be used in the future to clear blockages in patients with stroke and aneurysms.

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

Hyperloop II holding their Innovation Award at the 2019 SpaceX Hyperloop Pod Competition.

Overcoming obstacles with an electric hovercraft

MIT team places first among U.S. universities at 2019 SpaceX Hyperloop Pod Competition.

August 28, 2019

Ezinne Uzo-Okoro (standing, center) is developing a venture that aims to grow fresh and affordable food everywhere.

Legatum Center announces 2019-20 fellowship class

The fellowship is MIT’s capstone program for student-entrepreneurs seeking high impact in emerging markets.

August 23, 2019

The MIT-TU Delft autonomous race car completed 9.9 laps with a minimum speed of 4 meters per second at the 2019 Formula Student Germany (FSG) competition.

MIT-Delft University of Technology team places third in Formula Student Germany driverless competition

Teams were scored on speed, construction, performance, and financial planning at one of the world’s largest student engineering competitions.

August 16, 2019

The blood-brain barrier — the normally tight border that prevents harmful molecules in the bloodstream from entering the brain — can be damaged by the protein aggregates that form in the brains of Alzheimer’s patients.

Tissue model reveals role of blood-brain barrier in Alzheimer’s

Study finds that Alzheimer’s damage allows toxins to enter the brain, further harming neurons.

August 12, 2019

Yearlong hackathon engages nano community around health issues

Hacking Nanomedicine kicks off a series of events to develop an idea over time.

August 9, 2019

Jaume Plensa sculpture, "The Alchemist" on MIT's campus

School of Engineering second quarter 2019 awards

Faculty members recognized for excellence via a diverse array of honors, grants, and prizes over the past quarter.

July 30, 2019

MIT researchers have developed a material that can be injected as a liquid then turn into a solid gel. They believe it holds promise for improving colonoscopies, in which saline is currently injected below precancerous growths to make them easier to remove.

New material could make it easier to remove colon polyps

Gel cushion used to elevate polyps during endoscopy could reduce the risk of tearing the colon lining.

July 30, 2019

MIT Assistant Professor Betar Gallant (left) and graduate student Aliza Khurram are developing a novel battery that could both capture carbon dioxide in power plant exhaust and convert it to a solid ready for safe disposal.

Removing carbon dioxide from power plant exhaust

MIT researchers are developing a battery that could both capture carbon dioxide in power plant exhaust and convert it to a solid ready for safe disposal.

July 29, 2019

An MIT-invented microfluidics device could help doctors diagnose sepsis, a leading cause of death in U.S. hospitals, by automatically detecting elevated levels of a sepsis biomarker in about 25 minutes, using less than a finger prick of blood.

Microfluidics device helps diagnose sepsis in minutes

When time matters in hospitals, automated system can detect an early biomarker for the potentially life-threatening condition.

July 23, 2019

MIT alumnus Steven Keating has died. Keating conducted research on additive manufacturing and synthetic biology. He developed a technology that could 3-D print the foundation of a building.

Celebrating a curious mind: Steven Keating 1988-2019

Steven Keating SM'12, PhD '16 inspired millions with his research-driven approach to battling cancer and his advocacy for open patient health data.

July 22, 2019

Summer 2019 MIT and FIT AFFOA Workshop in Advanced Functional Fabrics participants

MIT and Fashion Institute of Technology join forces to create innovative textiles

Advanced functional fabrics workshop, held jointly with AFFOA and industrial partner New Balance, develops concepts for biodegradable footwear, active textiles.

July 17, 2019

The tiny coils in the fiber developed by MIT researchers curl even tighter when warmed up. This causes the fiber to contract, much like a muscle fiber.

Artificial “muscles” achieve powerful pulling force

New MIT system of contracting fibers could be a boon for biomedical devices and robotics.

July 11, 2019

The new aerogel insulating material is highly transparent, transmitting 95 percent of light. In this photo, parallel laser beams are used to make the material visible.

Getting more heat out of sunlight

Material developed at MIT can passively capture solar heat for home heating or industrial applications.

July 1, 2019

One of the most synthesized plastics, PET — found in plastic bottles — exhibits an extremely low degradation rate and its production is highly dependent on petroleum feedstocks. New research on the biodegradation of plastics will be funded by a MIT Energy Initiative Seed Fund.

MIT Energy Initiative awards seven Seed Fund grants for early-stage energy research

Annual MITEI awards support research on methane conversion, efficient energy provision, plastics recycling, and more.