Vine-inspired robotic gripper gently lifts heavy and fragile objects
The new design could be adapted to assist the elderly, sort warehouse products, or unload heavy cargo.
When it comes to language, context matters
MIT researchers identified three cognitive skills that we use to infer what someone really means.
Too sick to socialize: How the brain and immune system promote staying in bed
MIT researchers discover how an immune system molecule triggers neurons to shut down social behavior in mice modeling infection.
Pompeii offers insights into ancient Roman building technology
MIT researchers analyzed a recently discovered ancient construction site to shed new light on a material that has endured for thousands of years.
Astrocyte diversity across space and time
A new atlas charts the diversity of an influential cell type in the brains of mice and marmosets.
Prognostic tool could help clinicians identify high-risk cancer patients
Using a versatile problem-solving framework, researchers show how early relapse in lymphoma patients influences their chance for survival.
When companies “go green,” air quality impacts can vary dramatically
Cutting air travel and purchasing renewable energy can lead to different effects on overall air quality, even while achieving the same CO2 reduction, new research shows.
MIT researchers “speak objects into existence” using AI and robotics
The speech-to-reality system combines 3D generative AI and robotic assembly to create objects on demand.
Alternate proteins from the same gene contribute differently to health and rare disease
New findings may help researchers identify genetic mutations that contribute to rare diseases, by studying when and how single genes produce multiple versions of proteins.
What’s the best way to expand the US electricity grid?
A study by MIT researchers illuminates choices about reliability, cost, and emissions.
A smarter way for large language models to think about hard problems
This new technique enables LLMs to dynamically adjust the amount of computation they use for reasoning, based on the difficulty of the question.
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.
Staying stable
Whether they walk on two, four, or six legs, animals maintain stability by monitoring their body position and correcting errors with every step.
Helping power-system planners prepare for an unknown future
Macro, a modeling tool developed by the MIT Energy Initiative, enables energy-system planners to explore options for developing infrastructure to support decarbonized, reliable, and low-cost power grids.
Noninvasive imaging could replace finger pricks for people with diabetes
MIT engineers show they can accurately measure blood glucose by shining near-infrared light on the skin.