Ocean bacteria team up to break down biodegradable plastic
MIT researchers uncovered the roles of bacterial species from the environment as they consume biodegradable plastic.
From Idaho to MIT, on a quest to cut methane emissions
PhD student Audrey Parker studies methane mitigation strategies in dairy farms and coal mines, to reduce emissions of the potent greenhouse gas.
Next-generation geothermal energy: Promise, progress, and challenges
Geothermal innovators at MIT and elsewhere are seeking deeper and hotter rocks to generate electricity at scale.
X-raying rocks reveals their carbon-storing capacity
New research by MIT geophysicists could assist efforts to remove carbon from the atmosphere and store it underground.
Designing a more resilient future for plants, from the cell up
Foray Bioscience, founded by Ashley Beckwith SM ’18, PhD ’22, is engineering single plant cells to create new materials and meet growing demand.
More trees where they matter, please
An international study reveals disparities in urban shade levels, exacerbating the “heat island” effect in big cities.
Parking-aware navigation system could prevent frustration and emissions
By minimizing the need to drive around looking for a parking spot, this technique can save drivers up to 35 minutes — and give them a realistic estimate of total travel time.
Exploring the promise of regenerative aquaculture at an Arkansas fish farm
Through research with MIT D-Lab, MIT engineering student Kiyoko “Kik” Hayano worked with Keo Fish Farms to build a model for regenerative water systems.
“Essential” torch heralds the start of the 2026 Winter Olympics
Professor of the practice Carlo Ratti designed this year’s Olympic torch with the ethos and principles he brings to his work at MIT.
Your future home might be framed with printed plastic
MIT engineers are using recycled plastic to 3D print construction-grade floor trusses.
Taking the heat out of industrial chemical separations
The gas-filtering membranes developed by MIT spinout Osmoses offer an alternative to energy-hungry thermal separation for chemicals and fuels.
Electrifying boilers to decarbonize industry
AtmosZero, co-founded by Addison Stark SM ’10, PhD ’14, developed a modular heat pump to electrify the centuries-old steam boiler.
Feeding innovation to solve complex urban problems
Cross-border collaborations are seen as a key to success for the MIT Leventhal Center’s Mexico City Initiative.
Understanding ammonia energy’s tradeoffs around the world
MIT Energy Initiative researchers calculated the economic and environmental impact of future ammonia energy production and trade pathways.
3 Questions: How AI could optimize the power grid
While the growing energy demands of AI are worrying, some techniques can also help make power grids cleaner and more efficient.