Versatile building blocks make structures with surprising mechanical properties
The subunits could be robotically assembled to produce large, complex objects, including cars, robots, or wind turbine blades.
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Study identifies reasons for soaring nuclear plant cost overruns in the U.S.
Analysis points to ways engineering strategies could be reimagined to minimize delays and other unanticipated expenses.
System can sterilize medical tools using solar heat
Device could provide pressurized steam to run autoclaves without the need for electricity in off-grid areas.
Power-free system harnesses evaporation to keep items cool
Inspired by camel fur, a new two-layered material could provide extended cooling to preserve the freshness of perishable goods.
A controllable membrane to pull carbon dioxide out of exhaust streams
Electrically switchable system could continuously separate gases without the need for moving parts or wasted space.
Solar-powered system extracts drinkable water from “dry” air
MIT engineers have made their initial design more practical, efficient, and scalable.
Turning diamond into metal
Normally an insulator, diamond becomes a metallic conductor when subjected to large strain in a new theoretical model.
Validating the physics behind the new MIT-designed fusion experiment
Seven studies describe progress thus far and challenges ahead for a revolutionary zero-emissions power source.
A scientific approach to education reform
Challenges of the Covid-19 pandemic have laid bare the need to reinvent education. Sanjay Sarma’s new book points a way.
Covid-19 shutdown led to increased solar power output
As the air cleared after lockdowns, solar installations in Delhi produced 8 percent more power, study shows.
A mechanical way to stimulate neurons
Magnetic nanodiscs can be activated by an external magnetic field, providing a research tool for studying neural responses.
A wizard of ultrasharp imaging
To oversee its new cutting-edge electron microscopy systems, MIT sought out Frances Ross’ industry-honed expertise.
Universities support MIT and Harvard in legal action against ICE visa policy
Multiple institutions have joined effort to block policy that would bar thousands of foreign students.
To engineers’ surprise, radiation can slow corrosion of some materials
In certain alloys, exposure to proton irradiation can extend the material’s lifetime, study finds.
Exploring interactions of light and matter
Juejun Hu pushes the frontiers of optoelectronics for biological imaging, communications, and consumer electronics.