Punishment for the people
Professor Lily Tsai’s new book explains how “retributive justice,” the high-profile sanctioning of some in society, helps authoritarians solidify public support.
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MIT economist Joshua Angrist shares Nobel Prize
Cited for work building the foundations of “natural experiments” in economic research, Angrist is honored along with David Card and Guido Imbens.
Tool for predicting pedestrian flow expands its reach
Long-term study of Melbourne, Australia, shows how urban development and change affects pedestrians, not just automobiles.
3 Questions: An anthropologist and a filmmaker on working-class lives in Chicago
A storytelling project by Christine Walley and Chris Boebel explores the social impacts of late 20th century deindustrialization.
What’s the next chapter in Afghanistan?
A panel of foreign-policy experts surveys the uncertainties facing the country as it returns to Taliban rule.
Study: As a population gets older, automation accelerates
Economists find companies’ adoption of robots is partly due to shortages in middle-aged labor.
Study: Crowds can wise up to fake news
Experiment with Facebook-flagged content shows groups of laypeople reliably rate stories as effectively as fact-checkers do.
Comparing seniors who relocate long-distance shows where you live affects your longevity
Analysis of Medicare data finds location matters, not just past health behavior.
Study: Ending an eviction moratorium increases Covid-19 hazard
Results show infection rates increase across communities; individuals in low-income areas and those in poor health are at highest risk.
A serious plea for playful design
In their new book, “Urban Play,” MIT researchers advance the idea of using technology to make urban life creative and unpredictable.
Study provides suggestions for keeping classroom air fresh
MIT team looks at classroom configurations and offers modifications to enhance safety during Covid-19 pandemic.
3 Questions: Making the 2021-22 school year work for students
Associate Professor Justin Reich co-authors a new report on reimagining K-12 schools for a post-pandemic world.
How authoritarian leaders maintain support
Study finds public anticorruption campaigns bolster leaders, even when such measures lack tangible results.
A sleep study’s eye-opening findings
Experiment with working poor in India finds no impact from more night sleep, though naps help; rest quality may be key.
3 Questions: James Poterba on making infrastructure pay off
MIT economist sees overlooked value in repairs, upgrades, and user fees to help fund projects.