Inverse reporter Dan Robitzski writes that MIT researchers have created a new gel-like coating that can be used to make medical devices feel more natural. The researchers, “developed the hydrogels to manufacture products that feel like the part of the body they contact — say, a catheter that feels like the inside of a urethra.”
FOX 25 reporter Bob Dumas features a dance-party lamp developed by MIT researchers aimed at getting girls interested in STEM fields. “There’s research that shows girls, around middle school age, their participation in STEM classes and curriculum starts to drop off," explains Prof. Maria Yang. She adds that she wants to, "get girls back on the STEM train by engaging their interests.”
Boston Magazine reporter Jamie Ducharme writes that MIT researchers have developed a new gel-like coating that can be used on medical devices like catheters and IV tubes to reduce friction and ease patient discomfort. The substance, “can be moved, stretched, and twisted without breaking, “Ducharme explains, and also, “acts as a lubricant for the objects it coats.”
CBS This Morning’s Dana Jacobson explores how MIT researchers are developing technology to enable robots to assist with disaster response, including a robotic cheetah and a system that 3-D prints robots. Prof. Russ Tedrake says that, “there's a natural transition from the robots in the labs now into the robots doing meaningful work.”
In an article about metal organic frameworks (MOFs), Max Opray of The Guardian highlights Prof. Evelyn Wang’s work developing a device that can extract water from the air. The transparent box developed by Prof. Wang and her team “delivers enough drinking water for a person’s daily needs,” explains Opray.
FOX News reporter Grace Williams writes that MIT researchers have developed a new system to assist people with visual impairments in navigating their surroundings. “We wanted to primarily complement the white cane to allow users with visual impairments to quickly assess their environment in a contactless manner,” explains graduate student Robert Katzschmann.
CNBC reporter Colleen DeBaise speaks with MIT alumna Tish Scolnik about what inspired her to pursue a career in STEM. "There are so many big problems that the world is facing," Scolnik says. "Many of them can't be solved by engineering — but many of them can."
UPI reporter Brooks Hays writes about MIT spinout Open Water Power, which developed a battery that can be powered by seawater. Hays writes that the, “technology promises to extend the range and capabilities of unpiloted underwater vehicles, or UUVs.”
Writing for Make, Gareth Branwyn spotlights Adafruit Industries, which was founded by alumna Limor Fried. Fried explains that she believes the success of Adafruit is based on, “being focused on others, having an unconditional belief that you can be both a good cause and a good company, and seeing risk-taking as your friend and your only real competition as yourself.”
MIT was named the top university in the world for the sixth consecutive year in the QS World University Rankings, reports Kyle Scott Clauss for Boston Magazine.
TechCrunch reporter Brian Heater writes that MIT researchers have developed a vibrating wearable device to help people with visual impairments navigate. “In a world where computers help us with everything from navigating space travel to counting the steps we take in a day, I think we can do better to support visually impaired people,” explains Prof. Daniela Rus.
Fortune reporter Aaron Pressman highlights how MIT researchers have developed a new wearable device to help visually impaired people navigate and avoid obstacles. Pressman writes that CSAIL researchers are, “combining cutting edge techniques from 3D cameras and image recognition software to build an automated navigation system for the visually impaired.”
Boston Herald reporter Jordan Graham writes that MIT researchers have developed a wearable device aimed at helping visually impaired users navigate their environments. The system is equipped with, “a 3-D camera, a vibration pack and an electronic braille screen that will tell users not just where things are — but what they are.”
Washington Post reporter Travis Andrews writes that MIT researchers have created a workout suit with ventilating flaps embedded with bacteria that automatically open and close in response to sweat. Andrews explains that “as the bacteria relaxes and shrinks into itself, the cells pull away from the wearer, opening the flaps and letting fresh air flood in.”
MIT researchers have developed a workout suit with vents that are triggered by bacteria to automatically open in response to sweat, reports Rob Verger for Popular Science. Verger explains that the researchers hope to apply the technology to create clothing that can, “produce a pleasant smell when you sweat.”