Sperm cells are extremely efficient at swimming against a current
Study may explain how sperm travel long distances, through difficult terrain, to reach an egg.
Fast synthesis could boost drug development
Chemists devise a new way to manufacture peptide drugs, which hold promise for treating many diseases.
3 Questions: Suzanne Corkin on new study of neuroscience’s most famous patient
Preliminary analysis of H.M.’s brain tissue lays groundwork for more comprehensive studies.
Researchers discover that an exoplanet is Earth-like in mass and size
While too hot to support life, Kepler 78b is roughly the size of the Earth.
An answer to a lunar mystery: Why is the moon’s gravity so uneven?
Simulations based on GRAIL data show how gravitational anomalies developed early in lunar history.
Stacking 2-D materials produces surprising results
New experiments reveal previously unseen effects, could lead to new kinds of electronics and optical devices.
Predicted state of atomic collapse seen for first time
Researchers observe a basic quantum-mechanical phenomenon theorized decades ago by pioneers of atomic theory.
Graphene shows unusual thermoelectric response to light
Finding could lead to new photodetectors or energy-harvesting devices.
Learning from hot Jupiters
By studying how massive planets may have formed, MIT astrophysicist sets the stage for studying smaller, more Earthlike planets.
Astronomers detect first carbon-rich exoplanet
Discovery opens door to new class of exoplanets, including rocky planets rich in diamond and graphite.
3 Questions: Richard Binzel on astronomers’ powerful new tool
Pan-STARRS, a telescope designed to reveal the ‘unexpected surprises’ in our solar system, including possible threats to Earth, just became fully operational.
An easier way to synthesize new drug candidates
MIT chemists’ answer to long-standing problem could have a big impact on pharmaceutical business.
Why cancer drugs lose their power
MIT biologists show how tumors can become resistant to the commonly used chemotherapy drug cisplatin.
3 Questions: Sara Seager on searching for Earth-like planets
MIT planetary scientist discusses projects that aim to discover distant planets similar to our own, and what we can learn when we find them