Professor Emeritus Rainer Weiss, influential physicist who forged new paths to understanding the universe, dies at 92
The longtime MIT professor shared a Nobel Prize for his role in developing the LIGO observatory and detecting gravitational waves.
MIT tool visualizes and edits “physically impossible” objects
By visualizing Escher-like optical illusions in 2.5 dimensions, the “Meschers” tool could help scientists understand physics-defying shapes and spark new designs.
How the brain distinguishes oozing fluids from solid objects
A new study finds parts of the brain’s visual cortex are specialized to analyze either solid objects or flowing materials like water or sand.
New algorithms enable efficient machine learning with symmetric data
This new approach could lead to enhanced AI models for drug and materials discovery.
New transmitter could make wireless devices more energy-efficient
The flexible chip could boost the performance of current electronics and meet the more stringent efficiency requirements of future 6G technologies.
New system dramatically speeds the search for polymer materials
The platform identifies, mixes, and tests up to 700 new polymer blends a day for applications like protein stabilization, battery electrolytes, or drug-delivery materials.
Famous double-slit experiment holds up when stripped to its quantum essentials
MIT physicists confirm that, like Superman, light has two identities that are impossible to see at once.
Scientists apply optical pooled CRISPR screening to identify potential new Ebola drug targets
Combining powerful imaging, perturbational screening, and machine learning, researchers uncover new human host factors that alter Ebola’s ability to infect.
Theory-guided strategy expands the scope of measurable quantum interactions
An oft-ignored effect can be used to probe an important property of semiconductors, a new study finds.
The unique, mathematical shortcuts language models use to predict dynamic scenarios
Language models follow changing situations using clever arithmetic, instead of sequential tracking. By controlling when these approaches are used, engineers could improve the systems’ capabilities.
Can AI really code? Study maps the roadblocks to autonomous software engineering
A team of researchers has mapped the challenges of AI in software development, and outlined a research agenda to move the field forward.
Scientists discover compounds that help cells fight a wide range of viruses
The molecules trigger a built-in cellular stress response and show promise as broad-spectrum antivirals against Zika, herpes, RSV, and more.
Study could lead to LLMs that are better at complex reasoning
Researchers developed a way to make large language models more adaptable to challenging tasks like strategic planning or process optimization.
MIT chemists boost the efficiency of a key enzyme in photosynthesis
The enzyme, known as rubisco, helps plants and photosynthetic bacteria incorporate carbon dioxide into sugars.
Robotic probe quickly measures key properties of new materials
Developed to analyze new semiconductors, the system could streamline the development of more powerful solar panels.