Flocks of assembler robots show potential for making larger structures
Researchers make progress toward groups of robots that could build almost anything, including buildings, vehicles, and even bigger robots.
Search Stories
Engineers solve a mystery on the path to smaller, lighter batteries
Branchlike metallic filaments can sap the power of solid-state lithium batteries. A new study explains how they form and how to divert them.
MIT engineers develop a low-cost terahertz camera
The device provides greater sensitivity and speed than previous versions, and could be used for industrial inspection, airport security, and communications.
New materials could enable longer-lasting implantable batteries
Pacemakers and other medical devices, as well as long-distance drones and remote sensors, could require fewer battery replacements with new approach.
A better way to tell which species are vulnerable
New analysis takes account of natural fluctuations and predictability to assess which parts of an ecosystem are most threatened by climate change and other disruptions.
A faster experiment to find and study topological materials
Using machine learning and simple X-ray spectra, researchers can uncover compounds that might enable next-generation computer chips or quantum devices.
3Q: Why Europe is so vulnerable to heat waves
Climate modeling shows that this summer’s devastating European heat wave may indeed be a harbinger of the future for that region.
New process could enable more efficient plastics recycling
Cobalt-based catalysts could be used to turn mixed plastic waste into fuel, new plastics, and other products.
Engineers develop a new kind of shape-memory material
The ceramic-based material could be used for highly efficient actuators for aircraft or other uses, with minimal moving parts.
Passive cooling system could benefit off-grid locations
Relying on evaporation and radiation — but not electricity — the system could keep food fresh longer or supplement air conditioning in buildings.
MIT accelerates efforts on path to carbon reduction goals
The “Fast Forward” climate action plan laid out ambitious commitments. Now comes the harder part: making them happen.
A new concept for low-cost batteries
Made from inexpensive, abundant materials, an aluminum-sulfur battery could provide low-cost backup storage for renewable energy sources.
A new method boosts wind farms’ energy output, without new equipment
By modeling the conditions of an entire wind farm rather than individual turbines, engineers can squeeze more power out of existing installations.
A better way to quantify radiation damage in materials
More complete than existing methods, the new approach might enable longer operational lifetimes for nuclear reactors.
The best semiconductor of them all?
Researchers have found a material that can perform much better than silicon. The next step is finding practical and economic ways to make it.