To handle big data, shrink it
Algorithm reduces size of data sets while preserving their mathematical properties.
Removing reflections from photos taken through windows
New algorithm exploits multiple reflections in individual images to distinguish reflection from transmission.
MIT engineers hand “cognitive” control to underwater robots
With MIT-developed algorithms, robots plan underwater missions autonomously.
One way to reduce email stress: Re-invent the mailing list
New CSAIL system lets users customize the mailing-list experience by following and blocking users and “upvoting” messages.
Magnifying vibrations in bridges and buildings
Researchers apply computer vision technique to see tiny vibrations in large structures.
Better traffic signals can cut greenhouse gas emissions
Analysis shows that smarter programming of stoplights could improve efficiency of urban traffic.
Reviewing online homework at scale
System clusters similar student programs together, so instructors can identify broad trends.
Better debugger
System to automatically find a common type of programming bug significantly outperforms its predecessors.
Satellite imagery can aid development projects
New image-analysis methods can automate identification of cost-effective sites for grants or microgrids.
Finger-mounted reading device for the blind
Audio feedback helps user scan finger along a line of text, which software converts to speech.
Can an LED-filled “robot garden” make coding more accessible?
CSAIL’s 100-plus blooming, crawling, swimming bots teach basic programming concepts.
Researchers generate a reference map of the human epigenome
Better understanding of epigenetic modifications could elucidate their role in human traits, diseases.
Parallelizing common algorithms
Researchers revamp a common “data structure” so that it will work with multicore chips.
Biology, driven by data
Newly tenured biological engineer Ernest Fraenkel goes where the numbers lead.
Optimizing optimization algorithms
Analysis shows how to get the best results when approximating solutions to complex engineering problems.