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ET: Check your voicemail
New message beamed to the stars commemorates Earth’s first attempt to reach out to intelligent aliens
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.
One word: bioplastics
At a new plant in Iowa, MIT-rooted technology will use bacteria to turn corn into biodegradable plastics.
Explained: RNA interference
Exploiting the recently discovered mechanism could allow biologists to develop disease treatments by shutting down specific genes.
What computer science can teach economics
Constantinos Daskalakis applies the theory of computational complexity to game theory, with consequences in a range of disciplines.
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: 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.
Remembering David Schauer
Professor’s ‘academic family’ recalls the life and work of the infectious disease expert.
A new way to measure muscle
MIT engineer Joel Dawson and colleagues built a handheld probe that could help doctors monitor muscle atrophy in patients with Lou Gehrig's Disease and similar ailments.
Energy researchers find Obama an eager student
In the President's visit to MIT labs he showed keen interest, quick understanding and warm appreciation, say his hosts