Cracking a tough case
Whitehead Institute and MIT researchers uncover the detailed molecular structure of the sporopollenin polymer, an inert material key for the emergence of land plants.
Mapping the brain, cell by cell
Technique for preserving tissue allows researchers to create maps of neural circuits with single-cell resolution.
Surviving one of Earth’s most extreme environments
New research finds a unique component of cell membranes in an archaea species conveys protection against acidic surroundings.
Tracking the footprints of protein synthesis
Researchers refine a method to quantify protein production, show that the precision with which bacteria and eukaryotes tune their gene expression is remarkably similar.
Opportunities for materials innovation abound
Faculty researchers share insights into new capabilities at the annual Industrial Liaison Program Research and Development Conference.
Laser-pointing system could help tiny satellites transmit data to Earth
Platform offers the precision that shoebox-sized CubeSats need to beam down hefty data packets.
Team invents method to shrink objects to the nanoscale
It’s not quite the Ant-Man suit, but the system produces 3-D structures one thousandth the size of the originals.
Better superconductors from ceramic copper oxides
Riccardo Comin seeks to elucidate the microscopic physics of high-temperature superconducting devices to advance their technological applications.
Ingestible capsule can be controlled wirelessly
Electronic pill can relay diagnostic information or release drugs in response to smartphone commands.
How returning to a prior context aids memory recall
Picower Institute researchers discover the brain mechanism that helps details come flooding back when you visit a scene again.
New climate model to be built from the ground up
Scientists and engineers will collaborate in a new Climate Modeling Alliance to advance climate modeling and prediction.
To guide cancer therapy, device quickly tests drugs on tumor tissue
Inexpensive 3-D-printed microfluidics device could be used to personalize cancer treatment.
Deep-learning technique reveals “invisible” objects in the dark
Method could illuminate features of biological tissues in low-exposure images.
Sun-soaking device turns water into superheated steam
High-temperature steam might be used in remote regions to cook, clean, or sterilize medical equipment.
3 Questions: MIT goes interstellar with Voyager 2
MIT Kavli's John Richardson describes MIT's role in the historic passing of the Voyager 2 craft past the heliopause and into the interstellar medium.