Looking to the past to prepare for an uncertain future
Using sand and rock, MIT senior Aviva Intveld tells stories of ancient climates.
Scientists discover a new way of sharing genetic information in a common ocean microbe
Prochlorococcus, the world’s most abundant photosynthetic organism, reveals a gene-transfer mechanism that may be key to its abundance and diversity.
In search of the principles of life
Associate Professor Otto Cordero is looking for the fundamental constraints that shape microbial ecosystems.
A better way to tell which species are vulnerable
New analysis takes account of natural fluctuations and predictability to assess which parts of an ecosystem are most threatened by climate change and other disruptions.
What drives ecosystems to instability?
With only a little information, researchers can predict the circumstances under which an ecosystem will be stable or unstable.
Divorce is more common in albatross couples with shy males, study finds
In a long-studied population of wandering albatrosses, females are less likely to stick with a shy mate.
Computing for the health of the planet
The MIT Schwarzman College of Computing welcomes four new faculty members engaged in research and teaching that address climate risks and other environmental issues.
Better living through multicellular life cycles
Researchers reveal how an algae-eating bacterium solves an environmental engineering challenge.
Q&A: Bettina Stoetzer on envisioning a livable future
MIT anthropologist discusses her new book on ruderal ecologies, her environmental justice class — and how societies can expand their "imagination for how to live otherwise."
Predator interactions chiefly determine where Prochlorococcus thrive
New findings may help researchers hone predictions for where phytoplankton will migrate with climate change.
Dinosaurs may have lived in social herds as early as 193 million years ago
Fossils indicate a communal nesting ground and adults who foraged and took care of the young as a herd, scientists say.
From NYC zookeeper to aspiring architect
Merging species conservation and architectural design, graduate student James Brice is studying the sustainable development of public spaces.
MIT Integrative Microbiology Initiative will stimulate environmental microbiology research
Project supported by the Simons Foundation aims to reinvigorate environmental science by leaning on Parsons Laboratory's past as a leader in the space.
3 Questions: Greg Britten on how marine life can recover by 2050
Committing to aggressive conservation efforts could rebuild ocean habitats and species populations in a few decades.
How transient invaders can transform an ecosystem
Study finds microbes can alter an environment dramatically before dying out.