Title for ‘Earth’s first animal’ likely goes to simple sea creature
Sponges may be source of molecular fossils that significantly predate Cambrian explosion.
How to make electrons behave like a liquid
Analysis predicts exotic behaviors such as “negative resistance,” based on fluid-like effects.
Opening research labs to freshmen fosters innovation and community
Mini-UROP pairs freshmen with graduate students and postdocs while broadening opportunities for enhanced learning, collaboration, and networking.
Breaking through the bacteria barrier
New microfluidic device may speed up DNA insertion in bacteria, the first step in genetic engineering.
Humans settled, set fire to Madagascar’s forests 1,000 years ago
Stalagmites reveal huge shift in ancient Madagascar’s plant life, unrelated to climate change.
Neuroscientists reverse autism symptoms
Turning on a gene later in life can restore typical behavior in mice.
Enabling human-robot rescue teams
System could help prevent robots from overwhelming human teammates with information.
Cleaning water without the grid
MIT researchers have developed a solar-powered desalination system that could significantly increase the groundwater available for drinking in Indian villages.
Imaging with an “optical brush”
New imaging system uses an open-ended bundle of optical fibers — no lenses, protective housing needed.
Gravitational waves detected 100 years after Einstein’s prediction
LIGO opens a new window on the universe with the observation of gravitational waves from colliding black holes.
Q&A: Rainer Weiss on LIGO’s origins
MIT physicist developed the concept for LIGO as a teaching exercise.
Scientists make first direct detection of gravitational waves
LIGO signal reveals first observation of two massive black holes colliding, proves Einstein right.