Path-breaking historian Pauline Maier dies at age 75
MIT professor’s work illuminated the richness and complexity of Revolutionary-era America and the origins of democracy in the U.S.
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Encryption is less secure than we thought
For 65 years, most information-theoretic analyses of cryptographic systems have made a mathematical assumption that turns out to be wrong.
Brain scans may help diagnose dyslexia
Differences in a key language structure can be seen even before children start learning to read.
A worm’s-eye view of immunity
Biology professor Dennis Kim seeks to understand the physiology and evolution of host-microbe interactions by studying a simple worm.
Targeting product design for the developing world
The key, MIT study finds, is designing products that make money for the microentrepreneur.
SHASS doctoral candidate to join Harvard Society of Fellows
Three-year fellowship recognizes exceptional young scholars
Professor emeritus Rodney Brooks refines the sequel to iRobot
Rodney Brooks’ startup, Rethink Robotics, is producing robots that can adapt to manufacturing tasks and the factory environment.
Views you can use? How online ratings affect your judgment
Study: Positive comments create an illusory snowball effect, while negative responses get cancelled out.
Making connections in the eye
Wiring diagram of retinal neurons is first step toward mapping the human brain.
From theory to practice
PhD student Kuang Xu has found a way to apply predictive modeling to improve emergency-room wait times.
Research update: New microchip sorts white blood cells from whole blood
Device may be used to quickly detect signs of sepsis, other inflammatory diseases.
Reliable communication, unreliable networks
A new model of wireless networks that better represents the real world could lead to more robust communications protocols.
Why tumors become drug-resistant
New findings could lead to drugs that fight back when tumors don’t respond to treatment.
A layer of tiny grains can slow sound waves
Layer of microscopic spheres offers new approach to controlling acoustic waves.
Empowering women in Afghanistan
By placing some women in local leadership positions, an innovative development aid program integrates women into civic life, and may have economic benefits.