Technique spots warning signs of extreme events
Method may help predict hotspots of instability affecting climate, aircraft performance, and ocean circulation.
A genomic take on geobiology
Researchers in Greg Fournier’s geobiology lab are seeking to calibrate the ancient history of life on Earth using genomic analysis.
Zika virus likely circulated in Americas long before its detection
Analysis of largest collection of Zika genomes to date reveals trajectory and evolution of the virus.
Entering the animal world
In a history seminar, engineering students explore shifting ideas about animal intelligence and human uses of animals throughout the ages.
Darwin visits Wall Street
Andrew Lo’s new book urges a rethink of financial markets, along evolutionary lines.
Tracking the spread of bird flu
Asian flu strains can enter North America through Alaska, study finds.
Study suggests complex life was present on Earth 2.33 billion years ago
New estimate predates earliest fossil evidence by 800 million years.
New study sets oxygen-breathing limit for ocean’s hardiest organisms
Bacteria can survive in marine environments that are almost completely starved of oxygen.
"Song of the Human": An origin story
New work by composer Pete M. Wyer draws inspiration from MIT linguistic scholar Shigeru Miyagawa's hypothesis on the origins of human language.
3Q: Historian Harriet Ritvo on what it means to be "wild"
Scientists, social scientists, and humanists heed the call of the wild at MIT workshop.
Retracing the origins of a massive, multi-ring crater
Scientists reconstruct first hours after a giant impact created one of the largest craters on the moon.
Gregory Stephanopoulos receives Samson Prize for Innovation in Alternative Fuels
Metabolic engineering pioneer recognized for his work in the engineering of microbes for biofuels production.
MIT researchers prove fast microbial evolutionary bursts exist
Study reveals closely related microbes can diversify rapidly via horizontal gene transfer.
A mutual breakdown
Species relationships devolve from jointly beneficial to competitive in benign environments.
Microbial engineering technique could reduce contamination in biofermentation plants
Approach could lower cost and eliminate need for antibiotics during biofuel production.