Washington Post reporter Fred Barbash highlights new MIT research that shows that a microbe called “Methanosarcina” triggered the largest mass extinction in Earth’s history.
New York Times reporter Phyllis Korkki examines an algorithm developed by Professor Andrei Kirilenko that can help determine whether federal regulators are taking public comments into account before they adopt new rules.
Reporting for NPR’s Morning Edition, Christopher Joyce features new work by Professor Daniel Rothman that indicates the world’s largest mass extinction may have been caused by microbes.
Los Angeles Times columnist Michael Hiltzik looks at whether conservatives or liberals are more likely to contribute to charity. In his column, Hiltzik cites an MIT study that shows that while political affiliation does not provide a sound prediction of charitable giving, there are distinctions in giving between the two main political parties.
During a HuffPost Live panel discussion, Professor Fiona Murray speaks about her new research that shows venture capitalists prefer attractive men to women when funding new startups. In addition to Murray, the panel featured leading female entrepreneurs and journalists.
MIT Game Lab research affiliate Abe Stein writes for The Atlantic about the central role of home plate in baseball. Stein argues that home plate’s unique physical characteristics, role in the game and symbolism in popular culture and American history are often overlooked in discussions of the sport.
MIT researchers have found evidence that methane-producing microbes may have triggered the largest mass extinction in Earth’s history, reports Will Dunham for Reuters.
Nature reporter Chelsea Ward reports that a team from MIT led by Professor Daniel Rothman has found that, “Methane-belching microbes may have been behind the 'Great Dying', a mass-extinction event that wiped out some 90% of all species on Earth about 252 million years ago.”
The Guardian highlights new research by Professor Daniel Rothman that suggests microbes may be responsible for the end-Permian extinction. As reported by The Guardian, “Analysis of geological carbon deposits reveals a significant boost in levels of carbon-containing gases – either carbon dioxide or methane – at the time of the mass extinction.”
Wired reporter Olivia Solon writes about a new project by MIT Media Lab research affiliate Marcelo Coehlo and artist Vik Muniz to etch microscopic castles onto single grains of sand. The project, Sandcastles, involves using an ion beam to etch the images.
NBC News takes a look at EyeWire, a video game to map the human brain designed by Professor Sebastian Seung’s lab at MIT. Through the game, players from around the world map the 3D structure of neurons.
Discovery News reports on Professor Christine Ortiz and graduate student Ling Li’s analysis of mollusk shells. Eric Niiler reports that the team’s findings could be used in the development of new kinds of armor inspired by the structure of mollusk shells.
Lisa Grossman of New Scientist writes about research by Professor Christine Ortiz and graduate student Ling Li on mollusk shells. The researchers’ findings on the structure of mollusk shells could have potential applications in developing more resilient armor, Grossman reports.
Steve Annear of Boston Magazine profiles an independent group at MIT that is collecting paper cranes for a planned memorial commemorating the one-year anniversary of MIT Police Officer Sean Collier’s death.
Writing for Slate, Elizabeth Weingarten looks at closing the gender gap in the STEM fields. As part of her reporting, Weingarten highlights the study Professor Nancy Hopkins led into gender biases at MIT, and how that evaluation made it easier for women to pursue a career at MIT while also raising children.