Cortex over reflex: Study traces circuits where executive control overcomes instinct
Frontal brain region overrides reflexive inclination of a deeper, older region when rules require.
Aerosols from pollution, desert storms, and forest fires may intensify thunderstorms
Researchers identify a mechanism by which small particles in the atmosphere can generate more frequent thunderstorms.
Professor and astrophysicist Sara Seager appointed officer to the Order of Canada
Pioneer in exoplanet research helped transform the burgeoning field into one of the fastest-growing and most exciting in space science.
MIT in the media: 2020 in review
In a particularly newsworthy year, news and views from the MIT community made headlines.
3 Questions: Rona Oran and Benjamin Weiss on the ancient moon’s missing magnetism
Simulations rule out plasmas caused by meteoroid impacts as the source of lunar magnetism, supporting the proposal that the ancient moon generated a core dynamo.
MIT community in 2020: A year in review
In a year full of challenges, top Institute stories dealt with resilience, innovation, and MIT’s drive to embody its longstanding values in a changing world.
Top MIT research stories of 2020
The year’s popular research stories include astronomical firsts, scientific breakthroughs, and engineering milestones addressing Covid-19 and other global problems.
Controlling drug activity with light
Miniaturized device activates drugs in a small region deep within the brain.
New type of atomic clock keeps time even more precisely
The design, which uses entangled atoms, could help scientists detect dark matter and study gravity’s effect on time.
Ultracold atoms reveal a new type of quantum magnetic behavior
The findings may help researchers design “spintronic” devices and novel magnetic materials.
“My whole heart is in that job”
As a tutor and teaching assistant, senior Jack-Willliam Barotta helps create a welcoming learning environment for students of all backgrounds.
Four astronauts with ties to MIT named to NASA’s Artemis team
Artemis program will focus on returning humans to the moon.
Evelyn Hu delivers 2020 Dresselhaus Lecture on leveraging defects at the nanoscale
Physicist and Harvard University professor discusses silicon vacancies, reflects on inspiration from Mildred Dresselhaus.
MIT oceanographers have an explanation for the Arctic’s puzzling ocean turbulence
New study suggests waters will become more turbulent as Arctic loses summertime ice.