How brain cells pick which connections to keep
Novel study shows protein CPG15 acts as a molecular proxy of experience to mark synapses for stabilization.
Daniel Freedman wins Special Breakthrough Prize in Fundamental Physics
MIT professor emeritus will share $3 million prize with Sergio Ferrara and Peter van Nieuwenhuizen for discovery of supergravity.
A new way to block unwanted genetic transfer
Researchers identify a strategy to prevent mobile genetic elements from breaching the bacterial cell wall.
Speeding up drug discovery for brain diseases
Whitehead Institute team finds drugs that activate a key brain gene; initial tests in cells and mice show promise for rare, untreatable neurodevelopmental disorder.
Why did my classifier just mistake a turtle for a rifle?
Two longtime friends explore how computer vision systems go awry.
Professor Emeritus Samuel Bowring, pioneering geologist and expert in geochronology, dies at 65
A professor and mentor for more than 20 years at MIT, Bowring redefined our understanding of some of the most significant events in Earth history.
Health effects of China’s climate policy extend across Pacific
Improved air quality in China could prevent nearly 2,000 premature deaths in the U.S.
TESS discovers three new planets nearby, including temperate “sub-Neptune”
Planetary system orbiting an unusually quiet star is ideal for future habitability searches.
Mathematical insights through collaboration and perseverance
“Patience is important for our subject,” says math professor Wei Zhang. “You’re always making infinitesimal progress.”
Neuroscientists identify brain region linked to altered social interactions in autism model
In a mouse model, restoring activity of a specific forebrain region reverses social traits associated with autism.
Seeking new physics, scientists borrow from social networks
Technique can spot anomalous particle smashups that may point to phenomena beyond the Standard Model.
Biologists and mathematicians team up to explore tissue folding
An algorithm developed to study the structure of galaxies helps explain a key feature of embryonic development.
Want to know what software-driven health care looks like? This class offers some clues.
A course that combines machine learning and health care explores the promise of applying artificial intelligence to medicine.
Tuna are spawning in marine protected areas
Despite being highly migratory, tuna may benefit from ocean sanctuaries, study finds.
New faces in the School of Science faculty
Departments of Biology, Brain and Cognitive Sciences, Chemistry, and Physics welcome new faculty members.