To the brain, reading computer code is not the same as reading language
Neuroscientists find that interpreting code activates a general-purpose brain network, but not language-processing centers.
Building machines that better understand human goals
A new algorithm capable of inferring goals and plans could help machines better adapt to the imperfect nature of human planning.
“SCOUT” helps researchers find, quantify significant differences among organoids
Unbiased, high-throughput analysis pipeline improves utility of “minibrains” for understanding development and diseases such as Zika infection.
Model could help determine quarantine measures needed to reduce Covid-19’s spread
A key finding: Early reopening last spring led to a dramatic drop in “quarantine strength” in southern and west-central U.S. states.
MISTI shifts to fully remote global internships and cultural experiences amid pandemic
MIT students Robert Koirala and Grace Smith intern for a nonprofit promoting educational and health equity in India.
Case studies show climate variation linked to rise and fall of medieval nomadic empires
Recent virtual lecture explores how paleoclimatology provides important context for examining the activities of past human societies.
A cool advance in thermoelectric conversion
A quantum effect in topological semimetals demonstrated by MIT researchers could allow for the utilization of an untapped energy source.
3 Questions: Phillip Sharp on the discoveries that enabled mRNA vaccines for Covid-19
Curiosity-driven basic science in the 1970s laid the groundwork for today’s leading vaccines against the novel coronavirus.
One more clue to brain changes in Huntington’s disease
Opioid receptor MOR1 changes discovered in neurodegenerative disease model.
Amanda Hubbard honored with Secretary of Energy’s Appreciation Award
PSFC principal researcher is acknowledged for work with U.S. Burning Plasma Organization.
A technique to sift out the universe’s first gravitational waves
Identifying primordial ripples would be key to understanding the conditions of the early universe.
MIT labs win top recognition for sustainable practices in cold storage management
Whitehead Institute and MIT named 2020 Organizational Winners in the fourth annual International Institute for Sustainable Laboratories International Laboratory Freezer Challenge.
Exploring pandemic response through a coded simulation
MIT Social Impact Interns partner with the Naval War College to develop an educational disaster response game.
Field geology at a distance
As part of NASA’s Mars 2020 mission, Professor Tanja Bosak helps determine the best samples to bring home for clues about life 4 billion years ago.
Two MIT seniors named 2021 Marshall Scholars
Katie Collins and Marla Odell are heading to the United Kingdom next fall for two years of graduate study.