Machine learning branches out
An algorithm that extends an artificial-intelligence technique to new tasks could aid in analysis of flight delays and social networks.
Better batteries through biology?
MIT researchers find a way to boost lithium-air battery performance, with the help of modified viruses.
MIT Big Data Initiative launches transportation challenge, privacy working group
New efforts aimed at improving the use and management of big data
Cooling when there’s too much heat
MIT researchers make surfaces that are easier to cool under extreme heat; finding could benefit power plants, electronics.
Stephen H. Crandall, professor emeritus in MechE, dies at 92
Crandall remembered for his pioneering work in the field of solid mechanics and random vibrations.
Self-steering particles go with the flow
Asymmetrical particles could make lab-on-a-chip diagnostic devices more efficient and portable.
Enhancing solar cells with heat
Thermophotovoltaic system converts high heat to narrow spectrum tailored to solar cell profile
Solving chromosomes’ structure
Scientists find that loops of DNA are key to tightly packing genetic material for cell division.
Cocktail novelties inspired by nature’s designs
Mechanisms behind water bugs and lilies applied to culinary devices.
Turning bacteria into chemical factories
Kristala Jones Prather engineers cells to produce useful compounds such as drugs and biofuels.
‘Hybrid’ nuclear plants could make a dent in carbon emissions
Combining nuclear with artificial geothermal, shale oil, or hydrogen production could help slow climate change, study shows.
Emeritus: David Wilson was an early proponent of the concept of energy-use fees
System he hatched in the 1970s for curbing carbon emissions is finally getting some traction.
Faculty highlight: Evelyn Wang
Device Research Laboratory scientists aim to control changes in phase of gases and liquids to reduce power consumption in heating and cooling systems.
How to program unreliable chips
A new language lets coders reason about the trade-off between fidelity of execution and power or time savings in the computers of the future.