A quick stretch switches this polymer’s capacity to transport heat
The flexible material could enable on-demand heat dissipation for electronics, fabrics, and buildings.
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Some early life forms may have breathed oxygen well before it filled the atmosphere
A new study suggests aerobic respiration began hundreds of millions of years earlier than previously thought.
Terahertz microscope reveals the motion of superconducting electrons
For the first time, the new scope allowed physicists to observe terahertz “jiggles” in a superconducting fluid.
Your future home might be framed with printed plastic
MIT engineers are using recycled plastic to 3D print construction-grade floor trusses.
Study: The infant universe’s “primordial soup” was actually soupy
MIT physicists observed the first clear evidence that quarks create a wake as they speed through quark-gluon plasma, confirming the plasma behaves like a liquid.
Polar weather on Jupiter and Saturn hints at the planets’ interior details
New research may explain the striking differences between the two planets’ polar vortex patterns.
New research may help scientists predict when a humid heat wave will break
As these events become more common at midlatitudes, a phenomenon called an atmospheric inversion will determine how long they last.
Study: More eyes on the skies will help planes reduce climate-warming contrails
Images from geostationary satellites alone aren’t enough to help planes avoid contrail-prone regions, MIT researchers report.
Anything-goes “anyons” may be at the root of surprising quantum experiments
MIT physicists say these quasiparticles may explain how superconductivity and magnetism can coexist in certain materials.
Deep-learning model predicts how fruit flies form, cell by cell
The approach could apply to more complex tissues and organs, helping researchers to identify early signs of disease.
Vine-inspired robotic gripper gently lifts heavy and fragile objects
The new design could be adapted to assist the elderly, sort warehouse products, or unload heavy cargo.
Artificial tendons give muscle-powered robots a boost
The new design from MIT engineers could pump up many biohybrid builds.
Scientists get a first look at the innermost region of a white dwarf system
X-ray observations reveal surprising features of the dying star’s most energetic environment.
New AI agent learns to use CAD to create 3D objects from sketches
The virtual VideoCAD tool could boost designers’ productivity and help train engineers learning computer-aided design.
Ultrasonic device dramatically speeds harvesting of water from the air
The system can be paired with any atmospheric water harvesting material to shake out drinking water in minutes instead of hours.