Advancing undersea optical communications
Lincoln Laboratory researchers are applying narrow-beam laser technology to enable communications between underwater vehicles.
Sprawling galaxy cluster found hiding in plain sight
Bright light from black hole in a feeding frenzy had been obscuring surrounding galaxies.
Design tool reveals a product’s many possible performance tradeoffs
Users can quickly visualize designs that optimize multiple parameters at once.
MIT mathematicians solve age-old spaghetti mystery
It’s nearly impossible to break a dry spaghetti noodle into only two pieces. A new MIT study shows how and why it can be done.
Novel optics for ultrafast cameras create new possibilities for imaging
Technique can capture a scene at multiple depths with one shutter click — no zoom lens needed.
In neutron stars, protons may do the heavy lifting
The positively charged particles may have an outsize influence on the properties of neutron stars and other neutron-rich objects.
3Q: A bold mission to touch the sun
MIT’s John Belcher discusses the launch of the Parker Solar Probe, which will fly directly into the sun’s atmosphere.
Study suggests glaucoma may be an autoimmune disease
Unexpected findings show that the body’s own immune system destroys retinal cells.
Artificial intelligence model “learns” from patient data to make cancer treatment less toxic
Machine-learning system determines the fewest, smallest doses that could still shrink brain tumors.
The debate over how working memory works
Scientists present dueling theories in the high-stakes quest to understand how we hold and juggle multiple pieces of information in mind.
Krithika Ramchander and Andrea Beck awarded J-WAFS fellowships for water solutions
Graduate students receive J-WAFS fellowships to support research focused on improving water access for rural as well as urban communities.
Neuroscientists get at the roots of pessimism
Stimulating the brain’s caudate nucleus generates a negative outlook that clouds decision-making.
Introducing the latest in textiles: Soft hardware
Researchers incorporate optoelectronic diodes into fibers and weave them into washable fabrics.
Holding law-enforcement accountable for electronic surveillance
CSAIL system encourages government transparency using cryptography on a public log of wiretap requests.
Sensor could help doctors select effective cancer therapy
Hydrogen peroxide-sensing molecule reveals whether chemotherapy drugs are having their intended effects.