Scientists find ozone depletion began decades before discovery of ozone hole
Using modern tools, they also determined that carbon tetrachloride, used as a dry-cleaning and degreasing agent as early as the 1930s, was at the root of early ozone loss.
Two MIT faculty members named 2026 Pew Biomedical Scholars
Cell biologist Whitney Henry and immunologist Harikesh Wong will receive four years of flexible funding to advance early-career research on ferroptosis and immune decision-making.
Graphene can hold multiple states of superconductivity, a new study finds
What’s more, the superconducting states get stronger under conditions expected to kill them.
Listening for the echoes of black holes
By analyzing X-ray reverberations and other astrophysical data, Erin Kara seeks to understand the most extreme objects in the universe.
MIT in the media: Exploring how curiosity-driven science is an essential ingredient in America’s success
“Scientific American” showcases the history and future of America’s scientific engine, highlighting promising young scientists and icons at MIT and beyond.
Summer 2026 recommended reading from MIT
Enjoy these recent titles from Institute faculty and staff.
What happens when environmental change outpaces life’s ability to adapt?
A new model links Earth’s mass extinctions to mismatches between rates of environmental change and biological adaptation.
Characterizing Earth’s damping mechanisms
Fourth-year PhD candidate Perrin Davidson studies the carbon cycle to understand how the planet responds to global disturbances.
Meet the leader of the Department of Biology’s all-important “kitchen”
Karen O’Leary, lab associate and acting supervisor in the Glassware Sterilization Facility (a.k.a. “the kitchen”), has become a cornerstone of the department’s operations.
QS ranks MIT the world’s No. 1 university for 2026-27
Ranking at the top for the 15th year in a row, the Institute also places first in 12 subject areas.
Susan Solomon named 2026 Tang Prize laureate
The MIT professor’s groundbreaking work on atmospheric chemistry helped lay steps towards recovery of the ozone layer and demonstrated the lasting impacts of carbon emissions on Earth’s climate.
MIT Open Learning reaches all the way to the South Pole
John Della Costa uses OpenCourseWare to engage fellow Antarctica “winterovers” in physics content, and to build community.
Harriet having it all
From Boston to Moscow and across the U.S., Harriet Latham Robinson SM ’61, PhD ’65 has balanced an exciting career at the forefront of molecular biology with family, friends, and adventure.
MIT affiliates win 2026 Hertz Foundation Fellowships
The fellowships in applied sciences, engineering, and mathematics recognize doctoral students who are pursuing solutions to the most pressing challenges in science and technology.
Would you return a favor? Scientists say it depends on the relationship
A new study shows people expect reciprocal generosity only in interactions with friends or others of equal social status.