Explained: The Discrete Fourier Transform
The theories of an early-19th-century French mathematician have emerged from obscurity to become part of the basic language of engineering.
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Selling chip makers on optical computing
By designing chips that can be built using existing fabrication processes, MIT researchers show that computing with light isn’t so far fetched.
Liquid battery big enough for the electric grid?
Professor Donald Sadoway’s research in energy storage could help speed the development of renewable energy.
Solving history’s ‘largest mass poisoning’
Research points to carbon in man-made ponds as catalyst for arsenic contamination in Bangladeshi wells
The MIT150 Symposia: call for proposals
The MIT150 Steering Committee invites proposals for consideration in its symposium series.
What computer science can teach economics
Constantinos Daskalakis applies the theory of computational complexity to game theory, with consequences in a range of disciplines.
Energy, environment, health care discussed at annual Systems Thinking Conference
On Oct. 22-23, MIT faculty and industry leaders discussed the need for a systems-based approach to tackle complex challenges such as health care, energy, and the environment at the 2009 MIT conference on systems thinking for contemporary challenges.
The politics of climate fixes
Judith Layzer says there’s no easy way out when it comes to climate change — but that geo-engineering might be a last-ditch solution.
3 Questions: Sergey Paltsev on the costs of climate-change legislation
MIT’s Joint Program on the Science and Policy of Global Change has pegged the annual cost of the proposed cap-and-trade legislation in Congress at $400 per U.S. household. But estimating the cost of doing nothing is far more difficult.
Explained: P vs. NP
The most notorious problem in theoretical computer science remains open, but the attempts to solve it have led to profound insights.
New methods are changing old materials
Computational approach to materials science could bring new properties even to familiar substances such as concrete and steel
Teens aim to make a difference through invention
15 high schools awarded Lemelson-MIT InvenTeam Grants to tackle real-world problems; grant applications now available for 2010-2011 school year