How 35 percent of U.S. employees are left on the margins
In a new book, Paul Osterman details his research finding more than one-third of U.S. workers are “disposable,” with little security or chance of job advancement.
DNA shaper steers nervous system development
A study of worms finds a protein that helps shape the structure of the genome is critical for establishing the identity of some neurons.
Mathematical framework connects biological principles to manufacturable, adaptive materials
The new framework could streamline the design process of robotic grippers or aerospace components that exhibit complex behaviors found in nature.
MIT engineers connect bacteria to create living transistors
By wiring together colonies of these bacteria, the researchers built circuits that can perform complicated calculations.
Flexible brain circuits can switch between different tasks
Neuroscientists have discovered circuits in the prefrontal cortex that can be repurposed to store different types of information.
Drug that targets an inflammatory enzyme could help prevent lung cancer
A new study by MIT researchers shows that inhibiting caspase-1 can reduce the risk of tumor growth.
Cells pulse together as they grow — and malignant cells pulse the longest
MIT researchers discovered a cellular dance that may offer clues to the development of cancer, asthma, and other diseases.
High-speed microscopy reveals electrical activity across the brain
The new technique could help scientists learn how the entire brain works to generate decisions and emotions.
Researchers uncover hidden pore network within nuclear fuel
New understanding of how nuclear fuel breaks down and changes in an operating nuclear reactor could help keep some reactors running longer, will inform the next generation of nuclear reactor fuel systems.
MIT selected to lead new NSF materials research center
The Materials Research Science and Engineering Center unites researchers across disciplines to develop technologies for medical imaging, sustainable metals production, and next-generation electronics.
Astronomers discover a brand-new type of astrophysical object: A black hole star
The mashup of a black hole and an enormous star has never been seen before and could explain the mysterious little red dots often found in deep-space images.
How to design a space habitat that supports its residents’ mental health
A new online platform helps engineers look beyond survival mode when designing habitats for extreme living conditions.
The mystery of the Chinese tea chest label
MIT historian Tristan Brown uncovers the true origins of an artifact once thought to be a relic of the Boston Tea Party.
On the hunt for dark matter
From Broadway to MIT’s Laboratory for Nuclear Science, PhD student Jessica Fry doesn’t do anything halfway. Now she’s hunting for the universe’s most elusive particle.
With a feel for physics, AI models simulate a wider range of real-world scenarios
“GeoPT” helps AI models understand the basics of physics so they can simulate how objects respond to things like wind and water more efficiently and accurately.