Putting a finger on the switch of a chronic parasite infection
Researchers find master regulator needed for Toxoplasma gondii parasite to chronically infect host; promising step toward infection treatment, prevention.
With these neurons, extinguishing fear is its own reward
The same neurons responsible for encoding reward also form new memories to suppress fearful ones.
Study uses physics to explain democratic elections
U.S. elections have become more “unstable,” sometimes swinging in the opposite direction from the greater electorate’s preferences.
Pablo Jarillo-Herrero wins Wolf Prize for groundbreaking work on twistronics
Professor of physics honored alongside Allan MacDonald and Rafi Bistritzer for pioneering research on twisted bilayer graphene.
Whitehead Institute receives $10 million to study sex chromosomes’ impact on women’s health
Gift establishes the Brit Jepson d’Arbeloff Center on Women's Health.
Making physics and astronomy more welcoming to African-American students
Report co-chaired by MIT professor cites need for “sweeping changes” in academic culture.
“She” goes missing from presidential language
Even when people believed Hillary Clinton would win the 2016 election, they did not use “she” to refer to the next president.
School of Science recognizes members with 2020 Infinite Kilometer Awards
Four members of the School of Science honored for contributions to the Institute.
Top MIT research stories of 2019
Most popular stories of the year include science breakthroughs, engineering feats, and confirmation of 16th century architectural genius.
How long will a volcanic island live?
Plate tectonics and mantle plumes set the lifespan of volcanic islands like Hawaii and the Galapagos.
Scientists pin down timing of lunar dynamo’s demise
Findings suggest the moon’s magnetic field was produced by the fallout of a crystallizing iron core.
Chemistry bonds “quirky” researchers in hard-working Surendranath lab
Mangoes, coconuts, and imaginary lizards make using electricity to rearrange chemical bonds fun and exciting.
The billion-year belch
Michael Calzadilla and colleagues describe a violent black hole outburst that provides new insight into galaxy cluster evolution.
Bose grants for 2019 reward bold ideas across disciplines
Three innovative research projects in literature, plant epigenetics, and chemical engineering will be supported by Professor Amar G. Bose Research Grants.
Study may explain how infections reduce autism symptoms
An immune molecule sometimes produced during infection can influence the social behavior of mice.