Rocky, Earth-sized exoplanet is missing an atmosphere
Study reports on search for an atmosphere around a planet somewhat similar to ours.
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Data-mining for dark matter
Tracy Slatyer hunts through astrophysical data for clues to the invisible universe.
TESS discovers three new planets nearby, including temperate “sub-Neptune”
Planetary system orbiting an unusually quiet star is ideal for future habitability searches.
Seeking new physics, scientists borrow from social networks
Technique can spot anomalous particle smashups that may point to phenomena beyond the Standard Model.
Tuna are spawning in marine protected areas
Despite being highly migratory, tuna may benefit from ocean sanctuaries, study finds.
Breaching a “carbon threshold” could lead to mass extinction
Carbon dioxide emissions may trigger a reflex in the carbon cycle, with devastating consequences, study finds.
Spotting objects amid clutter
New approach quickly finds hidden objects in dense point clouds, for use in driverless cars or work spaces with robotic assistants.
Engineers 3-D print flexible mesh for ankle and knee braces
Techniques could lead to personalized wearable and implantable devices.
A droplet walks into an electric field …
Researchers have found a simple formula that could be useful for air purification, space propulsion, and molecular analyses.
An escape route for carbon
Study shows minerals sequester carbon for thousands of years, which may explain oxygen’s abundance in the atmosphere.
Algorithm tells robots where nearby humans are headed
A new tool for predicting a person’s movement trajectory may help humans and robots work together in close proximity.
Pantry ingredients can help grow carbon nanotubes
Study finds baking soda, detergent, and table salt — all rich in sodium — are effective catalysts.
Mathematical technique quickly tunes next-generation lenses
“Metasurfaces” that manipulate light at tiny scales could find uses in cellphone lenses, smart-car sensors, and optical fibers.
Grad student John Urschel tackles his lifelong balance of math and football in new memoir
“Being capable of thinking quantitatively — it’s the single most important thing,” says the former NFL lineman.
Robots shoot for the moon in MIT’s annual 2.007 competition
Robotic sweepers, flappers, and telescoping arms face off for a shot at coveted engineering prize.