Why the Mediterranean is a climate change hotspot
MIT analysis uncovers the basis of the severe rainfall declines predicted by many models.
Study sheds light on a classic visual illusion
Neuroscientists delve into how background brightness influences our perception of an object.
Study finds path for addressing Alzheimer’s blood-brain barrier impairment
MIT researchers pinpoint mechanism and demonstrate that drugs could help.
From delayed deceleration to Zooming
Jacqueline Thomas PhD ’20 recounts her final academic year at MIT, from once-in-a-lifetime field work to a virtual thesis defense.
Capturing stardust
Danielle Frostig, a physics graduate student, is developing an instrument to study how the heaviest elements in the universe are produced.
Tiny sand grains trigger massive glacial surges
New model answers longstanding question of how these sudden flows happen; may expand understanding of Antarctic ice sheets.
Newly observed phenomenon could lead to new quantum devices
Exotic states called Kohn anomalies could offer clues to why some materials have the electronic properties they do.
State-level R&D tax credits spur growth of new businesses
Study also finds tax breaks for general business investment have slightly negative effect on innovation.
A layered approach to safety
Using 3D fabrication, researchers develop novel nuclear materials that optimize both accident tolerance and performance.
Stiffer roadways could improve truck fuel efficiency
Study finds simple changes in road resurfacing practices could improve gas mileage for heavy vehicles and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
MIT, guided by open access principles, ends Elsevier negotiations
Institute ends negotiations for a new journals contract in the absence of a proposal aligning with the MIT Framework for Publisher Contracts.
Serious science at home
Children Helping Science, co-led by Professor Laura Schulz, brings research to families, and families to research.
Research highlights immune molecule’s complex role in Huntington’s disease
Knocking out the immune cytokine IL-6 exacerbates symptoms in HD model mice, affects neural connection genes.
Engineers put tens of thousands of artificial brain synapses on a single chip
The design could advance the development of small, portable AI devices.
Transparent graphene electrodes might lead to new generation of solar cells
New roll-to-roll production method could enable lightweight, flexible solar devices and a new generation of display screens.