National Science Foundation (NSF)

Artificial data give the same results as real data — without compromising privacy

New approach can help organizations scale their data science efforts with artificial data and crowdsourcing.

March 3, 2017

After feeding C. elegans worms an equal mix of bacteria that express either red or green fluorescent protein, MIT researchers found that the microbial populations in the worms’ digestive tracts tend to become dominated by one or the other.

Microbiome diversity is influenced by chance encounters

Study finds a role for randomness in the composition of the gut’s microbe populations.

March 3, 2017

This image from a scanning electron microscope shows a cross section of an object printed using cellulose. The inset shows the surface of the object.

3-D printing with cellulose

World’s most abundant polymer could rival petroleum-based plastics as source of printing feedstock.

March 3, 2017

Researchers have found that the hydrogel’s mostly watery environment helps keep nutrients and programmed bacteria alive and active. When the bacteria reacts to a certain chemical, the bacteria are programmed to light up, as seen on the left.

Living sensors at your fingertips

Cell-infused gloves and bandages light up when in contact with certain chemicals.

February 15, 2017

A new method developed by researchers at MIT could lead to a way of producing high-resolution images of individual biomolecules without requiring crystallization, and it could even allow zoomed-in imaging of specific sites within the molecules.

High-res biomolecule imaging

Technique could provide unique views of single molecules that conventional methods can’t match.

February 14, 2017

“There seems to be no shortage of exoplanets,” says Jennifer Burt, a Torres postdoctoral fellow in MIT’s Kavli Institute for Astrophysics and Space Research. “There are a ton of them out there, and a ton of science to be done.”

Scientists make huge dataset of nearby stars available to public

Users can search database of 1,600 stars to find signs of new exoplanets.

February 13, 2017

A team of researchers from MIT, Georgia Tech, and the University of Florida has devised a way to rapidly test different nanoparticles to see where they go in the body.

Nanoparticle screen could speed up drug development

New test helps identify particles for gene delivery or RNA interference.

February 7, 2017

MIT chemical engineers have developed an extremely sensitive detector that can track single cells’ secretion of dopamine. These video stills show a single cell releasing dopamine.

Sensor traces dopamine released by single cells

New technology could help neuroscientists understand how dopamine influences brain activity.

February 6, 2017

Using specialized equipment, the MIT team did tests in which they used a pyramidal-tipped probe to indent the surface of a piece of the sulfide-based material. Surrounding the resulting indentation (seen at center), cracks were seen forming in the material (indicated by arrows), revealing details of its mechanical properties.

Toward all-solid lithium batteries

Researchers investigate mechanics of lithium sulfides, which show promise as solid electrolytes.

February 2, 2017

“Hydrogels are soft, wet, biocompatible, and can form more friendly interfaces with human organs,” says Xuanhe Zhao, associate professor of mechanical engineering and civil and environmental engineering at MIT.

Transparent, gel-based robots can catch and release live fish

Made from hydrogel, robots may one day assist in surgical operations, evade underwater detection.

February 1, 2017

The SMAP observations are providing an unprecedented level of detailed, worldwide information on the amount of water in the top 2 inches (5 centimeters) of soil, collected globally every two to three days.

Study tracks “memory” of soil moisture

First year of data from SMAP satellite provides new insights for weather, agriculture, and climate.

January 16, 2017

MIT chemists have now developed a 3-D printing technique that allows them to print objects and then go back and add new polymers that alter the materials’ chemical composition and mechanical properties. These new polymers can be reactivated by light.

Technique enables adaptable 3-D printing

Once fabricated, objects can be altered by adding new polymers.

January 13, 2017

"There is a reason I stayed at MIT at every opportunity. When it comes down to it, there’s just nowhere in the world with the same caliber of faculty and students," Michael Short says.

Inspired by radiation

Nuclear scientist Michael Short aims to understand the full range of defects produced when materials are exposed to radiation.

January 6, 2017

MIT scientists have found that extreme precipitation events in California should become more frequent as the Earth’s climate warms over this century.

Study finds more extreme storms ahead for California

New technique predicts frequency of heavy precipitation with global warming.

January 3, 2017

Researchers have discovered that in people with dyslexia the brain has a diminished ability to acclimate to a repeated input — a trait known as neural adaptation.

Distinctive brain pattern may underlie dyslexia

Study suggests reduced plasticity could account for reading difficulties.

December 21, 2016

MIT News | Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Browse By

Topics

Departments

Centers, Labs, & Programs

Schools

Topic

Artificial data give the same results as real data — without compromising privacy

Microbiome diversity is influenced by chance encounters

3-D printing with cellulose

Living sensors at your fingertips

High-res biomolecule imaging

Scientists make huge dataset of nearby stars available to public

Nanoparticle screen could speed up drug development

Sensor traces dopamine released by single cells

Toward all-solid lithium batteries

Transparent, gel-based robots can catch and release live fish

Study tracks “memory” of soil moisture

Technique enables adaptable 3-D printing

Inspired by radiation

Study finds more extreme storms ahead for California

Distinctive brain pattern may underlie dyslexia

Browse By

Topics

Departments

Centers, Labs, & Programs

Schools

Breadcrumb

Topic

National Science Foundation (NSF)