Finding “hot spots” where compounding environmental and economic risks converge
A new computational tool empowers decision-makers to target interventions.
Inaugural J-WAFS Grand Challenge aims to develop enhanced crop variants and move them from lab to land
Matt Shoulders will lead an interdisciplinary team to improve RuBisCO — the photosynthesis enzyme thought to be the holy grail for improving agricultural yield.
US and UAE governments highlight early warning system for climate resilience
One of MIT’s five Climate Grand Challenges flagship projects, the Jameel Observatory-CREWSnet project will pilot in Bangladesh and Sudan to help communities adapt to the impacts of climate change.
MIT PhD students honored for their work to solve critical issues in water and food
Gokul Sampath and Jie Yun have been named 2023-24 J-WAFS Fellows.
A new microneedle-based drug delivery technique for plants
Developed at SMART, the device can deliver controlled amounts of agrochemicals to specific plant tissues for research and could one day be used to improve crop quality and disease management.
Victor K. McElheny Award in science journalism honors series on poultry farming and the environment
The national award from the Knight Science Journalism Program at MIT recognizes The Charlotte Observer and the Raleigh News & Observer for their series, “Big Poultry.”
Tackling counterfeit seeds with “unclonable” labels
Fake seeds can cost farmers more than two-thirds of expected crop yields and threaten food security. Trackable silk labels could help.
Detailed images from space offer clearer picture of drought effects on plants
J-WAFS researchers are using remote sensing observations to build high-resolution systems to monitor drought.
Titanic robots make farming more sustainable
MIT alumnus-founded FarmWise uses autonomous machines to snip weeds while preserving crops, eliminating the need for herbicides.
Nanotube sensors are capable of detecting and distinguishing gibberellin plant hormones
Developed at SMART, the nondestructive nanosensors could have wide applications in agricultural science.
New MIT internships expand research opportunities in Africa
University placements through MISTI aim to contribute to Africa’s growing research ecosystems.
A targeted approach to reducing the health impacts of crop residue burning in India
A new study shows how small-scale actions could improve air quality and health outcomes.
Nonabah Lane, Navajo educator and environmental sustainability specialist with numerous ties to MIT, dies at 46
Lane leaves a lasting legacy at the Institute and on tribal communities around the country.
MIT PhD students shed light on important water and food research
J-WAFS Fellows discuss their inspiration for pursuing challenges in water and food systems.