A study by MIT researchers examines the impact of social media manipulation campaigns on elections, reports Martin Finucane for The Boston Globe. “This is a blueprint for understanding the effects of election manipulation and interference on election outcomes,” explains Prof. Sinan Aral. “It can be applied to data retrospectively and proactively in near-real-time during, for instance, the 2020 election.”
Motherboard reporter Becky Ferreira writes that MIT researchers have developed a robotic thread that could be used to treat neurological blood clots or strokes. The robot could be equipped with drugs or lasers “that could be delivered to problem areas in the brain. This type of minimally invasive technique may also be useful in mitigating damage from neurological emergencies such as strokes.”
A study co-authored by Prof. Pierre Azoulay finds that 45 is the average age of the founders of successful companies started in the U.S. between 2007 and 2014, reports Seema Jayachandran for The New York Times. Jayachandran writes that the study “provides the first systematic calculation of the ages of the founders of high-growth start-ups in the United States.”
TechCrunch reporter Darrell Etherington writes that MI researchers have developed a new robotic thread that could be used to make brain surgeries less invasive. Etherington explains that the new robotic threads could “potentially make it easier and more accessible to treat brain blood vessel issues like blockages and lesions that can cause aneurysms and strokes.”
TechCrunch reporter Darrell Etherington writes that MIT researchers have developed an algorithm that allows a fleet of autonomous boats to change configurations to form new structures. The algorithm is a key step towards the researchers’ goal of creating “truly utilitarian robots that can assemble and reassemble on-demand.”
Popular Mechanics reporter John Wenz explores the significance of MIT researchers developing a microprocessor out of carbon nanotubes. "Carbon nanotubes have been a promising material for next generation electronics for almost two decades now," says Prof. Max Shulaker. "But there has always been a giant disconnect between the promise of carbon nanotubes and being able to build a real working system out of them."
MIT researchers have found that increases in heat and humidity caused by climate change could make the Hajj pilgrimage extremely dangerous in future years, reports Robert Preidt for U.S. News & World Report. The researchers found that “n the potentially dangerous years ahead, it may be necessary to severely limit the number of participants allowed to take part in the ritual.”
Gizmodo reporter Andrew Liszewski writes that a new thread-like robotic work developed by MIT researchers could be used to quickly clear blockages and clots that lead to strokes. “The robot would not only make the post-stroke procedure faster and faster, but it would also reduce the exposure to radiation that surgeons often have to endure,” Liszewski explains.
New Scientist reporter Chelsea Whyte writes that MIT researchers have built a microprocessor out of carbon nanotubes, which are more energy efficient than traditional silicon chips. “The team have so far used the chip to run a simple program called “Hello, World” which outputs that message, and is commonly the first program written by people learning to code,” Whyte explains.
MIT researchers have crafted a 16-bit microprocessor out of carbon nanotubes using the same industry-standard processes used to design silicon chips, reports Ryan Mandelbaum for Gizmodo. “This work is particularly exciting because carbon nanotubes are one of the most promising supplements in the future of beyond-silicon computers,” explains Prof. Max Shulaker.
MIT researchers have developed a new magnetically-controlled robotic worm that could one day help make brain surgeries less invasive, reports Chris Stokel-Walker for New Scientist. When tested on a silicon model of the human brain, “the robot could worm its way through hard-to-reach blood vessels.”
Nature reporter Elizabeth Gibney writes that MIT researchers have created the biggest computer chip yet from carbon nanotubes using the same fabrication processes used for silicon chips. “The most important thing is that all of these techniques are compatible with existing design tools and manufacturing facilities,” says Prof. Max Shulaker.
A new study by MIT researchers finds that climate change could make participating in the Hajj pilgrimage during the summertime extremely dangerous, reports Paola Rosa-Aquino for Salon. The researchers found that “climate change could lead to an increase in temperatures and humidity along the heart of the route, putting many devotees in “extreme danger” of developing heat-related illnesses.”
Boston Globe reporter Maria Lovato writes that MIT researchers have developed a new experiment aimed at identifying the rate at which stars produce oxygen. Prof. Richard Milner explains that the new approach uses “advanced accelerator technology that has great potential to measure reaction rates in stars with higher precision.”
The Engine has announced that it plans to expand into a new location at 750 Main Street to better accommodate the early-stage tough-tech startups that the MIT subsidiary serves. “Renovations to create offices, labs, and fabrication space are scheduled to start at the end of the year; they are expected to open by early 2022,” reports John Chesto for The Boston Globe.