Scientists discover how mutations in a language gene produce speech deficits
Faulty versions of the Foxp2 gene disrupt neurons’ ability to form synapses in brain regions involved in speech, a new study shows.
Researchers develop novel AI-based estimator for manufacturing medicine
A collaborative research team from the MIT-Takeda Program combined physics and machine learning to characterize rough particle surfaces in pharmaceutical pills and powders.
In a first, astronomers spot a star swallowing a planet
Earth will meet a similar fate in 5 billion years.
Open-source platform simulates wildlife for soft robotics designers
SoftZoo is a soft robot co-design platform that can test optimal shapes and sizes for robotic performance in different environments.
Scientists discover anatomical changes in the brains of the newly sighted
Following cataract removal, some of the brain’s visual pathways seem to be more malleable than previously thought.
J-PAL North America announces six new evaluation incubator partners to catalyze research on pressing social issues
The research center will support two nonprofits and four government agencies in designing randomized evaluations on housing stability, procedural justice, transportation, income assistance, and more.
Study: Covid-19 has reduced diverse urban interactions
Mobility-related data show the pandemic has had a lasting effect, limiting the breadth of places people visit in cities.
Astronomers detect the closest example yet of a black hole devouring a star
The event was spotted in infrared data — also a first — suggesting further searches in this band could turn up more such bursts.
Deep-learning system explores materials’ interiors from the outside
A new method could provide detailed information about internal structures, voids, and cracks, based solely on data about exterior conditions.
How to untangle a worm ball: Mathematicians solve a knotty mystery
California blackworms tangle themselves up by the thousands, then separate in a split second. Their trick may inspire the design of self-detangling materials and fibers.
MIT engineers “grow” atomically thin transistors on top of computer chips
A new low-temperature growth and fabrication technology allows the integration of 2D materials directly onto a silicon circuit, which could lead to denser and more powerful chips.
Study offers a new view of when and how governments distribute land
In Kenya, property rights are granted more often by democratic regimes than by autocrats — but decisions tend to be politically motivated regardless of who’s in charge.
Speedy robo-gripper reflexively organizes cluttered spaces
Rather than start from scratch after a failed attempt, the pick-and-place robot adapts in the moment to get a better hold.
Off-menu materials science
Rob Macfarlane synthesizes new composite materials by manipulating their structure at the nanometer scale.
Ingestible “electroceutical” capsule stimulates hunger-regulating hormone
The device, which uses electricity to boost hormone production in the stomach, could help to ease nausea and counteract appetite loss.