Guided learning lets “untrainable” neural networks realize their potential
CSAIL researchers find even “untrainable” neural nets can learn effectively when guided by another network’s built-in biases using their guidance method.
What makes a good proton conductor?
MIT researchers found a way to predict how efficiently materials can transport protons in clean energy devices and other advanced technologies.
Enabling small language models to solve complex reasoning tasks
The “self-steering” DisCIPL system directs small models to work together on tasks with constraints, like itinerary planning and budgeting.
New method improves the reliability of statistical estimations
The technique can help scientists in economics, public health, and other fields understand whether to trust the results of their experiments.
When it comes to language, context matters
MIT researchers identified three cognitive skills that we use to infer what someone really means.
MIT engineers design an aerial microrobot that can fly as fast as a bumblebee
With insect-like speed and agility, the tiny robot could someday aid in search-and-rescue missions.
Artificial tendons give muscle-powered robots a boost
The new design from MIT engineers could pump up many biohybrid builds.
Researchers discover a shortcoming that makes LLMs less reliable
Large language models can learn to mistakenly link certain sentence patterns with specific topics — and may then repeat these patterns instead of reasoning.
MIT Haystack scientists study recent geospace storms and resulting light shows
Solar maximum occurred within the past year — good news for aurora watchers, as the most active period for displays at New England latitudes occurs in the three years following solar maximum.
New lightweight polymer film can prevent corrosion
Because it’s nearly impermeable to gases, the polymer coating developed by MIT engineers could be used to protect solar panels, machinery, infrastructure, and more.
Teaching robots to map large environments
A new approach developed at MIT could help a search-and-rescue robot navigate an unpredictable environment by rapidly generating an accurate map of its surroundings.
3 Questions: How AI is helping us monitor and support vulnerable ecosystems
MIT PhD student and CSAIL researcher Justin Kay describes his work combining AI and computer vision systems to monitor the ecosystems that support our planet.
Charts can be social artifacts that communicate more than just data
Researchers find that design elements of data visualizations influence viewers’ assumptions about the source of the information and its trustworthiness.
Why some quantum materials stall while others scale
In a new study, MIT researchers evaluated quantum materials’ potential for scalable commercial success — and identified promising candidates.
MIT physicists improve the precision of atomic clocks
A new method turns down quantum noise that obscures the “ticking” of atoms, and could enable stable, transportable atomic clocks.