A new type of electrically driven artificial muscle fiber
Electrofluidic fibers mimic how natural muscle fibers bundle, and could enable compact, silent robotic and prosthetic systems.
New technique makes AI models leaner and faster while they’re still learning
Researchers use control theory to shed unnecessary complexity from AI models during training, cutting compute costs without sacrificing performance.
Physicists zero in on the mass of the fundamental W boson particle
The team’s ultra-precise measurement confirms the Standard Model’s predictions.
Researchers develop molecular editing tool to relocate alcohol groups
This new technique will allow chemists to efficiently fine-tune the chemical structure of an organic molecule.
Study reveals “two-factor authentication” system that controls microRNA destruction
Researchers uncovered how cells selectively destroy certain microRNAs — key gene regulators — through a mechanism that requires two RNA signals working together.
How bacteria suppress immune defenses in stubborn wound infections
Study finds a common bacterium can suppress the body’s early warning system in wounds, causing infections to persist and create an environment that allows other bacteria to take hold.
Helping data centers deliver higher performance with less hardware
Researchers developed a system that intelligently balances workloads to improve the efficiency of flash storage hardware in a data center.
Electrons in moiré crystals explore higher-dimensional quantum worlds
MIT physicists have discovered 3D “moiré crystals” that simulate four-dimensional quantum materials to a T.
MIT researchers measure traffic emissions, to the block, in real-time
A new study pieces together existing data sources in order to develop a detailed, dynamic picture of auto emissions.
Evaluating the ethics of autonomous systems
MIT researchers developed a testing framework that pinpoints situations where AI decision-support systems are not treating people and communities fairly.
Preview tool helps makers visualize 3D-printed objects
By quickly generating aesthetically accurate previews of fabricated objects, the VisiPrint system could make prototyping faster and less wasteful.
Two physicists and a curious host walk into a studio…
On GBH’s new show The Curiosity Desk, MIT LIGO researchers revel in the beauties of fundamental discovery science and MIT astronomers talk planetary defense.
Turning muscles into motors gives static organs new life
A new biohybrid system developed at MIT is the first living implant that uses rewired nerves to revive paralyzed organs.
Climate change may produce “fast-food” phytoplankton
With warmer ocean temperatures, the composition of marine plankton could shift from protein-rich to carb-heavy, a new study suggests.
MIT researchers use AI to uncover atomic defects in materials
A new model measures defects that can be leveraged to improve materials’ mechanical strength, heat transfer, and energy-conversion efficiency.