Chemistry

Researchers have found that a class of molecules called sulfidic anions may have been abundant in Earth’s lakes and rivers.

Brewing up Earth’s earliest life

Large concentrations of sulfites and bisulfites in shallow lakes may have set the stage for Earth’s first biological molecules.

April 8, 2018

A comparison of blood vessels imaged with short-wave fluorescence imaging (right) and near-infrared fluorescence imaging (left). Both images rely on a fluorescent dye called ICG, but the vessels can be seen more clearly with short-wave fluorescence imaging.

Fluorescent dye could enable sharper biological imaging

Technique could allow doctors and researchers to generate clearer images of blood vessels and other tissues.

April 6, 2018

Professor Catherine Drennan discusses stereotype threat, at the March 9 MacVicar Day symposium.

Innovation fosters inclusive teaching at MIT

Panelists at MacVicar Day symposium highlight wide-ranging approaches for including, engaging, and supporting all students.

April 2, 2018

Engineers turn plastic insulator into heat conductor

Technique could prevent overheating of laptops, mobile phones, and other electronics.

March 30, 2018

A fascination with magic leads MIT Professor Robert Langer to solve world problems using the marvels of chemical engineering.

Featured video: Magical Bob

A fascination with magic leads Institute Professor Robert Langer to solve world problems using the marvels of chemical engineering.

March 27, 2018

Diagram illustrates the crystal lattice of a proposed battery electrolyte material called Li3PO4. The researchers found that measuring how vibrations of sound move through the lattice could reveal how well ions – electrically charged atoms or molecules – could travel through the solid material, and therefore how they would work in a real battery. In this diagram, the purple pyramid-like shapes...

A new way to find better battery materials

Design principles could point to better electrolytes for next-generation lithium batteries.

March 25, 2018

“To me, the most rewarding aspect of my profession is to work with these extremely talented and bright students,” Roman says.

Yuriy Roman: A chemical engineer pursuing renewable energy

MIT professor devises new ways to generate useful chemicals and fuels from renewable resources.

March 22, 2018

MIT graduate engineering, business, science programs ranked highly by U.S. News for 2019

Graduate engineering program is No. 1 in the nation; MIT Sloan is No. 5.

March 20, 2018

Photo of MIT's Building 10 at an angle with trees in front

MIT rates No. 1 in 12 subjects in 2018 QS World University Rankings

MIT ranked within top 5 in 19 out of 48 subject areas.

February 28, 2018

Using a state-of-the-art type of electron microscopy, an MIT-led team has discovered the structure of an enzyme that is crucial for maintaining an adequate supply of DNA building blocks in human cells.

Scientists deliver high-resolution glimpse of enzyme structure

New finding suggests differences in how humans and bacteria control production of DNA’s building blocks.

February 20, 2018

MIT professor of chemistry Richard Schrock delivers the annual Killian Lecture.

A lifelong search for new catalysts

Richard Schrock, trailblazer in organometallic chemistry, delivers annual Killian Lecture.

February 16, 2018

F.G. Keyes Professor Richard Royce Schrock

After receiving Killian Award, Richard Schrock reflects on a life in chemistry

The award, he says, is an honor equal to his Nobel Prize, which he received in 2005.

February 6, 2018

Professor William Tisdale (left), Rachel Gilmore PhD '17, and their colleagues are developing novel methods of synthesizing quantum dot materials for use in solar cells, LEDs, and more. Testing confirms that their new techniques enable them to control the nanoscale structure of their materials — the key to high performance in energy devices.

Novel methods of synthesizing quantum dot materials

MIT researchers are optimizing nanostructures for energy devices such as solar cells.

January 24, 2018

Susan Solomon, the Lee and Geraldine Martin Professor of Environmental Studies at MIT

Susan Solomon awarded the 2018 Crafoord Prize

Professor of atmospheric chemistry honored for her contributions to atmospheric science.

January 19, 2018

First row (l-r): Stephen Bell, Timothy Cronin, Nikta Fakhri, Robert Griffin. Second row (l-r): Jacqueline Hewitt, William Minicozzi, Aaron Pixton, Gabriela Schlau-Cohen. Third row (l-r): Alexander Shalek, Scott Sheffield, Susan Solomon, Stefani Spranger.

Twelve School of Science faculty members appointed to named professorships