Dirty physics
Franz-Josef Ulm explores the physics of dirty materials and messy systems to advance sustainable infrastructure and clean energy technology.
Better estimates of worldwide mercury pollution
New findings show Asia produces twice as much mercury emissions as previously thought.
Stalagmites pinpoint drying of American West
Research suggests western U.S. deserts were relatively wet up until 8,200 years ago.
Predicting the shape of river deltas
New method may help engineers determine coastal impact of dams and levees.
New study shows how nanoparticles can clean up environmental pollutants
Nanomaterials and UV light can “trap” chemicals for easy removal from soil and water.
Ocean acidification may cause dramatic changes to phytoplankton
Study finds many species may die out and others may migrate significantly as ocean acidification intensifies.
Making clean, high-quality fuels from low-quality oil
New insights into a promising approach to fuel production that would reduce costs, energy use, and carbon dioxide emissions.
MIT embarks on collaborative climate resiliency planning
MIT and Novartis are co-chairing a new working group on Cambridge climate resiliency.
Faculty highlight: Elsa Olivetti
Assistant Professor Elsa Olivetti combines cost and environmental data to identify high-impact areas for reducing pollution and greenhouse gases.
Toward cheaper water treatment
MIT spinout makes treating, recycling highly contaminated oilfield water more economical
Data-driven design
MIT-hosted urban planning conference highlights explosion of information on cities.
Energy synergy: MIT ignites CERAWeek
MIT representatives shared emerging energy technologies at an influential conference rife with world leaders.
J-WAFS awards $1.8 million in first round of seed-grant funding
Nine grants of $200,000 for two years have been awarded to researchers from 11 MIT departments.
Measuring climate change action
MIT analysis informs a new EPA report on the effects of curbing climate change.
Bubbling with passion for environmental engineering
A witness to “a montage of environmental changes” in her native China, grad student Ruby Fu now studies the fate of methane bubbles in the ocean.