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Massachusetts Institute of Technology


Study finds tracking brain waves could reduce post-op complications

A new MIT study reveals that analyzing brain wave patterns can help doctors determine when patients are at risk of entering a deeper state of unconsciousness during surgery. By tracking these patterns, anesthesiologists may be able to prevent postoperative cognitive impairments and reduce the risk of complications.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 17, 2023

How an “AI-tocracy” emerges

A new study by MIT researchers finds that China's government uses AI-driven facial recognition to suppress dissent, but this approach also spurs the development of better AI tools and other innovative technologies. The study suggests that this 'AI-tocracy' cycle entrenches the regime while stimulating further innovation.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalThe Quarterly Journal of Economics·DateJul 13, 2023

Going with the flow

Researchers have developed a new method to estimate river flow rates on Mars and Titan, utilizing satellite observations and mathematical equations. The technique allows for predictions of river flow times, sediment size, and potential support for life, shedding light on these celestial bodies' geological pasts.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 10, 2023

New model offers a way to speed up drug discovery

Researchers have developed a new AI model that can quickly screen large libraries of potential drug compounds against target proteins. The ConPLex model uses language analysis to match potential drugs with proteins without needing to calculate molecular structures, enabling fast screening of over 100 million compounds per day.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 9, 2023

Computational model mimics humans’ ability to predict emotions

Researchers at MIT have designed a computational model that can predict other people's emotions, including joy, gratitude, and regret. The model uses insights into human intuition, incorporating factors such as desires, expectations, and observation of actions to make predictions.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalPhilosophical Transactions of the Royal Society A Mathematical Physical and Engineering Sciences·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJun 6, 2023

A telescope’s last view

Astronomers at MIT and University of Wisconsin have discovered two validated planets, K2-416 b and K2-417 b, in Kepler's last week of high-quality data. The third planet candidate, EPIC 246251988 b, orbits its star every 10 days and is slightly farther away from Earth than the other two.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society·DateMay 30, 2023

Even lawyers don’t like legalese

A new MIT study shows that lawyers prefer plain English contracts, which they find easier to understand and more appealing than traditional legal documents. The researchers found that while lawyers excel at reading and writing complex legalese, the style can be a barrier for non-lawyers.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 29, 2023

A better way to match 3D volumes

Researchers at MIT have developed a new approach to match 3D shapes by mapping volumes to volumes, resulting in more accurate animations and CAD designs. This method represents shapes as tetrahedral meshes that include the mass inside a 3D object, allowing for better modeling of fine parts and avoiding common artifacts.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalACM Transactions on Graphics·DateMay 24, 2023

Like ancient mariners, ancestors of Prochlorococcus microbes rode out to sea on exoskeleton particles

A new study proposes that ancestors of Prochlorococcus microbes used chitin particles as rafts to venture into the open ocean. This enabled them to evolve new abilities and eventually thrive in the nutrient-poor waters, playing a crucial role in absorbing CO2 from the atmosphere.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 11, 2023