Evolutionary approaches to big-data problems
Una-May O'Reilly applies machine learning and evolutionary algorithms to tackle some of the world's biggest big-data challenges.
A twist on planetary origins
New study finds meteorites were byproducts of planetary formation, not building blocks.
Rainfall can release aerosols, study finds
High-speed imaging captures raindrops releasing clouds of aerosols on impact.
How to predict responses to disease
Computer model could help public health officials anticipate overreactions to disease outbreaks.
Watching how cells interact
New device allows scientists to glimpse communication between immune cells.
Tonio Buonassisi seeks to make solar cells competitive
Mechanical engineering professor pursues a vision of a cleaner, more energy-efficient world.
Clocking energy-transfer rates in quantum dots
MIT chemistry graduate student Jolene Mork examines rates of excitonic-energy transfer.
New findings reveal genetic brain disorders converge at the synapse
Picower Institute researchers show that different causes of autism and intellectual disability respond to the same treatment.
Vision system for household robots
New algorithm could enable household robots to better identify objects in cluttered environments.
Toward quantum chips
Packing single-photon detectors on an optical chip is a crucial step toward quantum-computational circuits.
Spin designers
Caroline Ross and Geoffrey Beach are studying how the “spin” of electrons on nanomagnets could be manipulated to create faster, more energy-efficient computers.
Undaunted by the unknown
Senior Katie Bodner thrives in synthetic biology, where guidelines are just being established.
Study: Disparities seen in immigrant application results
Latin Americans approved for labor certification less often.
Using light to produce natural sleep patterns
Researchers use optogenetics to trigger REM sleep in mice.
Drones, Bitcoin, and robotic fish
Here are eight of the coolest things that happened at CSAIL in 2014.