Materials science and engineering

In this diagram, the atomic lattice of a crystal of barium oxide is depicted, with atoms of oxygen and barium represented by red and gray spheres. A neutral oxygen vacancy, a place where an oxygen atom should appear in the lattice but is instead replaced by two electrons, is represented by the yellow shape, which depicts the charge density of those electrons. At left, the crystal is seen with no e...

New analysis explains role of defects in metal oxides

Harnessing these imperfections could have implications for computer memory and energy conversion.

September 21, 2017

This schematic shows a microfluidic device that uses sound waves to separate exosomes (pink spheres) from other components of blood.

Blood testing via sound waves may replace some tissue biopsies

Microfluidic device uses acoustics to quickly analyze blood for signatures of cancer and other diseases.

September 18, 2017

In this image, light strikes a molecular lattice deposited on a metal substrate. The molecules can quickly exchange energy with the metal below, a mechanism that leads to a much faster response time for the emission of fluorescent light from the lattice.

A new approach to ultrafast light pulses

Unusual fluorescent materials could be used for rapid light-based communications systems.

September 18, 2017

Researchers from the MIT Concrete Sustainability Hub, the University of New Brunswick, and Oregon State University visited the Mactaquac Dam in New Brunswick, Canada, in August.

Investigating a big dam concrete problem

Researchers working to address concrete durability get a close look at the impacts of a chemical reaction known to cause structural problems.

September 13, 2017

Professor Evelyn Wang, the director of MIT’s Device Research Laboratory, has been appointed associate head of the Department of Mechanical Engineering.

Evelyn Wang joins leadership team in MechE

Mechanical engineering alumna and internationally recognized professor is the new associate head of the department.

September 6, 2017

$Research by MIT graduate student Ashley Kaiser (left) and postdoc Itai Stein shows that a small fraction of carbon nanotubes added to phenol-formaldehyde resin lowers the processing temperature needed to achieve the best combination of hardness and low density by 200 degrees Celsius.$

Glassy carbon, now with less heat

Carbon nanotubes lower the transformation temperature of glassy carbon, possibly aiding manufacturers, MIT researchers report.

September 1, 2017

“We wanted to create a fabric that is as unique as you are,” Professor Yoel Fink explained to incoming freshman in a packed Kresge Auditorium.

Back to school special

Members of MIT’s class of 2021 get a free backpack — and a glimpse at the future of “smart” fabrics.

August 29, 2017

A phase diagram of living mammalian cytoplasm, developed by MIT researchers, describes the type of material an organelle feels as it moves through cytoplasm, given its size and speed.

How cytoplasm “feels” to a cell’s components

In study that may guide drug design, researchers find organelles encounter varying levels of resistance.

August 21, 2017

Krystyn Van Vliet named associate provost

Engineer brings active interest in innovation to new role.

August 16, 2017

This series of photographs shows the chemical reaction that occurs during the charging of a lithium oxygen battery using lithium iodide as an additive.

Researchers clarify mystery about proposed battery material

Study explains conflicting results from other experiments, may lead to batteries with more energy per pound.

August 15, 2017

Summer Scholar Alejandro Aponte works on a prototype for a pump that can deliver drugs to the brain. Aponte, a University of Puerto Rico at Mayaguez mechanical engineering major, is working to make the pump small enough to be easily implantable.

Prototyping a pump for brain treatment

Summer Scholar Alejandro Aponte troubleshoots the design for an implantable pump that can deliver drugs to the brain.

August 4, 2017

A three-day hackathon on campus brought together students and researchers from MIT and around Boston who developed functional fabric concepts to solve major issues facing soldiers in combat or training, first responders, victims and workers in refugee camps, and many others.

Hacking functional fabrics to aid emergency response

MIT and other innovators design novel solutions for the battlefield, disaster sites, and other dangerous environments.

August 1, 2017

A new flexible graphene solar cell developed at MIT is seen in the transparent region at the center of this sample. Around its edges are metal contacts on which probes can be attached during tests of device performance.

Transparent, flexible solar cells

Researchers develop a novel technique using graphene to create solar cells they can mount on surfaces ranging from glass to plastic to paper and tape.

July 28, 2017

MIT engineers have designed a gel-like material that can be coated onto standard plastic or rubber devices, providing a softer, more slippery exterior that can significantly ease a patient’s discomfort during surgery.

New gel coatings may lead to better catheters and condoms

Bonded layers of rubber and hydrogel yield tough, slippery, and impermeable coatings.

July 18, 2017

New research suggests that achieving smoother surfaces on a solid electrolyte could eliminate or greatly reduce the problem of dendrite formation.

Study suggests route to improving rechargeable lithium batteries

Smooth surfaces may prevent harmful deposits from working their way into a solid electrolyte.

July 12, 2017

MIT News | Massachusetts Institute of Technology

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