How should we use our intelligence?
MIT event exposes fault lines among high-ranking former government officials on NSA’s data-gathering programs.
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Former MIT president Charles M. Vest dies at 72
As the Institute’s leader from 1990 to 2004, he sparked a period of dynamism.
Leaner Fourier transforms
New algorithm can separate signals into their individual frequencies using a minimal number of samples.
Silvija Gradečak seeks to better the world through new materials
Looking for better materials for solar cells, LEDs, and other technology, one molecule at a time.
Explained: Matrices
Concepts familiar from grade-school algebra have broad ramifications in computer science.
Machine learning branches out
An algorithm that extends an artificial-intelligence technique to new tasks could aid in analysis of flight delays and social networks.
‘Hybrid’ nuclear plants could make a dent in carbon emissions
Combining nuclear with artificial geothermal, shale oil, or hydrogen production could help slow climate change, study shows.
Military medicine
Senior Laura Lu’s years at MIT have included cancer research, ROTC leadership, and prosthesis trials — and she aims to put her talents to use one day as a Navy surgeon.
Automatic speaker tracking in audio recordings
A new system dispenses with the human annotation of training data required by its predecessors but achieves comparable results.
In search of transparency
Former military analyst and whistleblower Daniel Ellsberg speaks on the need for open public discussion of vital issues.
Mission TULiP: A robotic pursuit on the Charles River
The quest to build fast, cooperating robots that can explore the ocean's dynamic features is happening on the Charles River.
Under the sea
MIT senior Grace Young’s love of marine robotics will lead her to spend up to a month underwater this semester, collecting data and teaching classes over Skype to help save the oceans.
Dina Katabi and Sara Seager win MacArthur ‘genius grants’
Two MIT professors are among 24 recipients nationwide of this year’s unrestricted $625,000 prizes from the MacArthur Foundation.
Broadcasting rights
MIT professor Heather Hendershot studies the conservative movement’s strategic use of television through the decades.
Chris Kaiser to step down as provost, return to the faculty
After nine years as a departmental and Institute administrator, biologist plans to return to his longtime interests in teaching and research.