Their infinite wisdom
An MIT historian of science uncovers the saga of the Russian scholars whose mysticism helped them redefine the concept of infinity
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Reporter’s Notebook: Jules Verne, desperado?
MIT historian of science Rosalind Williams on the overlooked legacy of Jules Verne, anti-globalization visionary
How to encourage big ideas
A new study suggests certain types of funding — which provide more freedom and focus less on near-term results — lead to more innovative and influential research.
The real thing?
MIT business professor Renee Richardson Gosline shows that people are often unsure about telling authentic luxury goods from fakes — until they see who’s using them.
Reporter’s Notebook: Game Theory
At the Singapore-MIT GAMBIT Game Lab, researchers examine what makes video games click with players — or what doesn't.
Three of a kind
MIT linguist Shigeru Miyagawa explains how the hidden similarities of English, Japanese, and some forms of Bantu reveal language’s universal essence.
Good food nation
MIT researchers think America's obesity epidemic can be reversed via ‘foodsheds,’ in which healthier, more affordable food is produced and consumed regionally.
The math gap
MIT economists find a new reason to think that environment, not innate ability, determines how well girls do in math class
3 Questions: Jeffrey Harris on why we still don't have an HIV vaccine
The MIT economist blames inadequate incentives for the failure to develop a vaccine against the virus that causes AIDS. He argues governments should help industry create an HIV vaccine by sharing risk.
Data points of light
MIT’s undergraduates fight poverty one statistic at a time, thanks to coordination between the Undergraduate Research Opportunities Program and the Abdul Latif Jameel Poverty Action Lab.
Charter schools, studied
MIT economists are trying to learn how and why some Boston charter schools were able to produce stunning results. What they discover could serve as a lesson for America’s struggling public schools.
All wired up
MIT's Erik Brynjolfsson explains how technology really helps the economy — even as the restructuring it is spurring causes pain.
Saving labor
Political scientist Richard Locke says our system of improving factory conditions around the world is broken.
He proposes a new solution.
He proposes a new solution.
Against the common gouda
The government regulates how food is produced. MIT anthropologist Heather Paxson studies the rebellious cheese-makers who reluctantly adhere to those rules.