Top MIT research stories of 2020
The year’s popular research stories include astronomical firsts, scientific breakthroughs, and engineering milestones addressing Covid-19 and other global problems.
Dava Newman named director of MIT Media Lab
Visionary astronautics researcher, explorer, and expert on human adaptation to space will lead the Institute’s world-renowned research center.
Making smart thermostats more efficient
A smart thermostat quickly learns to optimize building microclimates for both energy consumption and user preference.
Discovery allows early detection of shade avoidance syndrome
SMART researchers use Raman spectroscopy for early detection of SAS, which can help farmers better monitor plant health and improve crop yields.
A better model for business insurance
Founded by an MIT alumnus, Newfront Insurance offers brokers and businesses digital tools for responding to a rapidly changing risk landscape.
Want cheaper nuclear energy? Turn the design process into a game
Researchers show that deep reinforcement learning can be used to design more efficient nuclear reactors.
Controlling drug activity with light
Miniaturized device activates drugs in a small region deep within the brain.
Method finds hidden warning signals in measurements collected over time
A new deep-learning algorithm could provide advanced notice when systems — from satellites to data centers — are falling out of whack.
MIT to share in $3.2 million grant to create a statewide technician-training program in advanced manufacturing
MassBridge will create curriculum for the advanced manufacturing needs of today’s economy.
James Fujimoto wins the Visionary Prize from the Greenberg Prize to End Blindness
Historic effort to eradicate blindness marks major milestone with leading scientists recognized for pioneering work.
Four astronauts with ties to MIT named to NASA’s Artemis team
Artemis program will focus on returning humans to the moon.
Evelyn Hu delivers 2020 Dresselhaus Lecture on leveraging defects at the nanoscale
Physicist and Harvard University professor discusses silicon vacancies, reflects on inspiration from Mildred Dresselhaus.
Multimillion-dollar grant to MIT funds research into acute and chronic Lyme disease
Family’s health trauma translates into mission to solve a chronic health problem suffered by more than a million Americans.
Making data-informed Covid-19 testing plans
A new web-friendly modeling tool helps organizations build tailored Covid-19 testing strategies that can save money and reduce coronavirus spread.