Scientists have uncovered more than 100 genes involved in learning, memory, brain signaling and the immune system that are related to schizophrenia, reports Angel Zimm for Bloomberg News. “I’m hopeful these genetic results can point to a new understanding of the root cause of schizophrenia, and why all the symptoms emerge,” explains Steve McCarroll of the Broad Institute.
Reporting for Science Nation, Miles O’Brien examines new work from Professor Richard Schrock to develop cleaner, cheaper diesel fuel. With his colleagues, Schrock is developing new catalysts that work together to turn carbon sourced material into high-grade diesel fuel.
Michael J. Bailey memorializes the life and work of Otto Piene, professor emeritus of visual design and the former director of MIT’s Center for Advanced Visual Studies. “Leavened by helium, tethered through hundreds of feet of fabric tubes, and animated by the wind, his figurative and abstract sculptures would become the kinetic centerpiece of grand-scale festivals,” writes Bailey.
Writing for The Boston Globe, Jack Newsham interviews Professor John Leonard about the many challenges facing self-driving cars in a city like Boston. “Robots should just be able to navigate the way we navigate,” Leonard explains. “That’s been a challenge in robotics for 40 years.”
Wired reporter Margaret Rhodes writes about a new system developed by MIT researchers that uses drones as lighting assistants for photographs. The system operates by examining, “how much light is hitting the subject, and where the drone needs to move to adjust that light.”
Ruth Graham of The Boston Globe writes about Professor Franz-Josef Ulm’s work with “urban physics.” Ulm’s research, “places him among a number of scientists now using the tools of physics to analyze the practically infinite amount of data that cities produce in the 21st century, from population density to the number of patents produced to energy bill charges.”
Bruce Weber of The New York Times reports on the legacy of Professor Emeritus Otto Piene, who died on July 17. “So many of his ideas are relevant today, from project-oriented work, to discussion-led thinking, to the ephemeral; all of that is now commonplace,” says Joachim Jäger, head of the Neue Nationalgalerie in Berlin.
Boston Globe reporter Scott Kirsner explores the history of MicrChips, an MIT startup that has made headlines recently with the news that the company is developing a remote-controlled, implantable contraceptive chip.
Liat Clark reports on Jibo, the family friendly robot developed by Professor Cynthia Breazeal, in a piece for Wired. "Jibo is a very different concept of a personal robot where the focus is on human engagement and bringing content, apps, services 'to life' beyond flat screens," Breazeal explains.
Wired reporter Katie Collins writes about how a team of MIT scientists has discovered that the electricity produced by bouncing water droplets could be used to charge smart phones.
"The Knight Science Journalism program, to me, has always been one of the most exciting programs in science journalism," Blum tells Paul Raeburn of the KSJ Tracker. In his post, Raeburn reveals some of Blum's plans for the future, as described in an interview, and explains the significance of the dual appointments of Blum and Roush.
Kadhim Shubber reports on a new glove created by Professor Harry Asada with two extra fingers that responds intelligently to one’s movements. "You do not need to command the robot, but simply move your fingers naturally,” said Asada. “Then the robotic fingers react and assist your fingers."
“Researchers at MIT have created a robotic hand device that, rather than simply replacing one's grip, enhances its reach with two extra fingers,” reports NBC on a new device developed by Professor Harry Asada’s team.
The BBC reports on a new technology from Professor Harry Asada’s team that provides a robotic extension to the human hand responsive to movement. The extension—essentially two extra fingers—can be used to grasp, leaving the hand free for other tasks.
Jena McGregor reports for The Washington Post on a paper coauthored by MIT graduate student Jason Sheltzer that indicates that women are under represented in life sciences laboratories run by elite male scientists. The numbers were significantly less than those in labs headed by females.