School of Engineering

Guided by artificial intelligence and powered by a robotic platform, a system developed by MIT researchers moves a step closer to automating the production of small molecules.

Guided by AI, robotic platform automates molecule manufacture

New system could free bench chemists from time-consuming tasks, may help inspire new molecules.

August 8, 2019

A microscopic image of mixed bacteria from environmental samples. MIT researchers have developed a gene flow measurement that defines ecologically important populations of microbes.

Using recent gene flow to define microbe populations

New method identifies ecologically and medically relevant bacteria groups.

August 8, 2019

MIT researchers have developed a new model of gene control, in which the cellular machinery that transcribes DNA into RNA forms specialized droplets called condensates.

Study furthers radically new view of gene control

Along the genome, proteins form liquid-like droplets that appear to boost the expression of particular genes.

August 8, 2019

An aerial photograph of a home built to FEMA standards in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina

3Q: Jeremy Gregory on measuring the benefits of hazard resilience

MIT Concrete Sustainability Hub scientist explains how rating systems akin to LEED for resilient construction can make communities more hazard-resistant.

August 7, 2019

Researchers are examining how quickly drivers can detect and correctly respond to road hazards, to improve safety of “semiautonomous” cars.

Study measures how fast humans react to road hazards

In “semiautonomous” cars, older drivers may need more time to take the wheel when responding to the unexpected.

August 7, 2019

Researchers at MIT demonstrated gloves fabricated by a system for automating knitted garments.

Computer-aided knitting

New research from the Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence Laboratory uses machine learning to customize clothing designs.

August 6, 2019

A new MIT-developed model automates a critical step in using AI for medical decision making, where experts usually identify important features in massive patient datasets by hand. The model was able to automatically identify voicing patterns of people with vocal cord nodules (shown here) and, in turn, use those features to predict which people do and don’t have the disorder.

Automating artificial intelligence for medical decision-making

Model replaces the laborious process of annotating massive patient datasets by hand.

August 5, 2019

Marcus Karel, food science pioneer and professor emeritus of chemical engineering, dies at 91

A giant in the field of food science and engineering, Karel developed important innovations in food packaging as well as food systems for long-term space travel.

August 2, 2019

A model developed at MIT predicts the cognitive decline of patients at risk for Alzheimer’s disease by forecasting their cognition test scores up to two years in the future, which could help zero in on the right patients to select for clinical trials.

Model predicts cognitive decline due to Alzheimer’s, up to two years out

Researchers hope the system can zero in on the right patients to enroll in clinical trials, to speed discovery of drug treatments.

August 1, 2019

Assistant Professor Heather Kulik (center) and graduate student Jon Paul Janet (right) are using neural networks coupled with genetic algorithms to examine huge databases of transition metal compounds for potential use in practical devices. Using the same technique, graduate student Aditya Nandy (left) is designing better catalysts for methane conversion reactions.

Finding novel materials for practical devices

MIT researchers use a new machine learning technique to rapidly evaluate new transition metal compounds to identify those that can perform specialized functions.

August 1, 2019

Haloe Energie solar photovoltaic plant in Andhra Pradesh, India

Lowering emissions without breaking the bank

New research provides a look at how India could meet its climate targets while maintaining economic growth

July 31, 2019

MIT graduate students Logan Engstrom (left) and Andrew Ilyas have published five papers together exploring the vulnerabilities of computer vision systems, and they have half a dozen more in the pipeline.

Why did my classifier just mistake a turtle for a rifle?

Two longtime friends explore how computer vision systems go awry.

July 31, 2019

Jack Kerrebrock's accomplishments included serving as faculty leader of the Daedalus Project, which developed an aircraft that still holds the world record for human-powered flight.

Jack Kerrebrock, professor emeritus of aeronautics and astronautics, dies at 91

Former department head and associate dean of engineering was an international expert in the development of propulsion systems for aircraft and spacecraft.

July 31, 2019