Learning with audiobooks
A new study finds that audiobooks help students learn new words — especially when paired with one-on-one instruction.
Slice and dice
SNIPE, a newly characterized biological defense system, directly protects bacteria by chopping up invading viral DNA.
Physicists zero in on the mass of the fundamental W boson particle
The team’s ultra-precise measurement confirms the Standard Model’s predictions.
Sixteen new START.nano companies are developing hard-tech solutions with the support of MIT.nano
Startup accelerator program grows to over 30 companies, almost half of them with MIT pedigrees.
Researchers develop molecular editing tool to relocate alcohol groups
This new technique will allow chemists to efficiently fine-tune the chemical structure of an organic molecule.
Study reveals “two-factor authentication” system that controls microRNA destruction
Researchers uncovered how cells selectively destroy certain microRNAs — key gene regulators — through a mechanism that requires two RNA signals working together.
How bacteria suppress immune defenses in stubborn wound infections
Study finds a common bacterium can suppress the body’s early warning system in wounds, causing infections to persist and create an environment that allows other bacteria to take hold.
Electrons in moiré crystals explore higher-dimensional quantum worlds
MIT physicists have discovered 3D “moiré crystals” that simulate four-dimensional quantum materials to a T.
Two physicists and a curious host walk into a studio…
On GBH’s new show The Curiosity Desk, MIT LIGO researchers revel in the beauties of fundamental discovery science and MIT astronomers talk planetary defense.
Building the blocks of life
Computational biologist Sergei Kotelnikov is working to develop new methods in protein modeling as part of the School of Science Dean’s Postdoctoral Fellowship.
Turning muscles into motors gives static organs new life
A new biohybrid system developed at MIT is the first living implant that uses rewired nerves to revive paralyzed organs.
Climate change may produce “fast-food” phytoplankton
With warmer ocean temperatures, the composition of marine plankton could shift from protein-rich to carb-heavy, a new study suggests.
Leading with rigor, kindness, and care
“We cannot be effective scientists if we are unhappy or unhealthy outside of the lab,” says “Committed to Caring” honoree Sara Prescott.
“Near-misses” in particle accelerators can illuminate new physics, study finds
Physicists discovered new properties of the strong force by analyzing what happens when light-speed particles skim by each other.
QS World University Rankings rates MIT No. 1 in 12 subjects for 2026
The Institute also ranks second in seven subject areas.