MIT engineers find a precise way to grow artificial blood vessels
Gently stretching and pulling a “blood vessel on a chip” encourages controlled sprouting of new vessels, for possible use in artificial tissues or organs.
AI agents create virtual playgrounds to help robots get crucial training data
“SceneSmith” system uses collaborative AI agents to create realistic 3D environments of places like kitchens, hotels, and living rooms, where robots can simulate everyday chores.
New method aims to keep kids safe from illegal AI-generated content
Researchers developed an auditing technique to test generative AI models for malicious capabilities, without prompting them for illegal outputs.
Tiny infrared chip could improve detection of gases and heat
The tunable device controls mid-infrared light for more precise thermal imaging, chemical sensing, or pollution monitoring.
Discovery could lead to brighter, more energy-efficient digital displays
Researchers found a simple solution for extending the lifespans of LEDs made from glowing microscopic particles called quantum dots.
New flapping robot swims and flies like a diving bird
MIT engineers’ design could lead to a new class of aerial-aquatic vehicles for ocean exploration.
A baseball-sized sensor can detect chemical threats
The “TOSSIT” device, developed at MIT Lincoln Laboratory, can warn service members and first responders of dangerous vapors and aerosols.
Tiny robot boats build floating structures
MIT researchers developed FloatForm, a swarm of small aquatic robots that snap together like ants forming a raft, assembling into reconfigurable structures on the water.
Separating logic and language
Neuroscientists find logical reasoning does not involve language-processing parts of the brain.
3 Questions: Searching for new physics with “beauty” particles
Assistant Professor Eluned Smith describes how new LHC data confirm a previously observed tension with the Standard Model, plus what else will be needed to determine whether new physics is at play.
MIT engineers whip up a more breathable hydrogel
The new aerated material could enable longer-lasting bandages, implants, and wearable sensors.
MIT researcher proposes a way to detect nuclear weapons in space
The 1967 Outer Space Treaty bans nuclear weapons in space, but there’s currently no way to verify that satellites aren’t carrying them.
The brain’s internal ruler
A simple brain circuit measures objects’ distance from the body using touch signals from a rodent’s whiskers, MIT scientists find.
How novice coders can develop AI programs for military applications
A USAF cadet and a Lincoln Laboratory researcher found AI chatbots can help nontechnical service members produce viable software applications for their unique problems.
Many black holes had past lives, new research shows
Physicists have found signs of colliding black holes that are themselves products of previous black hole smash-ups.