How to look for a few good catalysts
New research shows non-wetting surfaces promote chemical reaction rates.
Shoring up Tor
Researchers mount successful attacks against popular anonymity network — and show how to prevent them.
Study: Firms “underinvest” in long-term cancer research
Tweaks to the R&D pipeline could create new drugs and greater social benefit.
New material opens possibilities for super-long-acting pills
A pH-responsive polymer gel could create swallowable devices, including capsules for ultra-long drug delivery.
Stalagmites pinpoint drying of American West
Research suggests western U.S. deserts were relatively wet up until 8,200 years ago.
Object recognition for robots
Robots’ maps of their environments can make existing object-recognition algorithms more accurate.
3 Questions: Lennon Rodgers on docking in space
System for locking satellites together, initially developed for master’s thesis, to get first space test.
Understanding economic behavior through hygiene
PhD student Reshmaan Hussam’s study of Bangladeshis’ economic behavior leads to research on hand-washing.
Predicting the shape of river deltas
New method may help engineers determine coastal impact of dams and levees.
Putting the pieces together
Summer interns are learning research skills while helping to make progress in materials, drug delivery, and energy in MIT labs.
New study shows how nanoparticles can clean up environmental pollutants
Nanomaterials and UV light can “trap” chemicals for easy removal from soil and water.
Ocean acidification may cause dramatic changes to phytoplankton
Study finds many species may die out and others may migrate significantly as ocean acidification intensifies.
Putting research in the spotlight
Senior research officers from MIT and universities across the U.S. met with the press to discuss the future of the research enterprise.
Making clean, high-quality fuels from low-quality oil
New insights into a promising approach to fuel production that would reduce costs, energy use, and carbon dioxide emissions.