Focus on function helps identify the changes that made us human
A new approach for identifying significant differences in gene use between closely-related species provides insights into human evolution.
Andrea Lo ’21 draws on ecological lessons for life, work, and education
With a minor in literature and environmental sustainability, the biology alumna considers perspectives from Charles Darwin to Annie Dillard.
A clean alternative to one of the world’s most common ingredients
C16 Biosciences, founded by MIT alumni, has developed a microbial oil to replace palm oil, whose production reaps environmental devastation.
Fieldwork class examines signs of climate change in Hawaii
MIT students research effects of climate change on forests and sulfur dioxide emissions as a model for planet-wide events.
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.