A study by MIT scholars found that voting by incarcerated people in Maine and Vermont has significantly lower turnout rates compared to the general population. The researchers suggest that reinstating voting rights for this population may not yield a significant number of new voters, highlighting the challenges of disenfranchisement.
Physicists have detected X particles in quark-gluon plasma produced in the Large Hadron Collider, a phenomenon that could reveal the particles' unknown structure. The discovery uses machine-learning techniques to sift through massive datasets and identify decay patterns characteristic of X particles.
Young children and babies use saliva sharing as a cue to determine strong relationships and mutual obligations. Research found that babies expect people who share saliva to offer help when distressed, suggesting a vital skill for learning social relationships.
Researchers at MIT have developed an all-in-one approach to diabetes treatment, streamlining the process of blood glucose measurement and insulin injection. The new device can automate procedures such as pricking skin, collecting blood, calculating glucose levels, and dispensing insulin, reducing the need for multiple devices and makin...
MIT researchers develop teaching phase that guides humans in understanding AI strengths and weaknesses, enabling more accurate decisions and faster conclusions. The technique helps humans build a mental model of the AI agent, reducing reliance on biased assumptions.
MIT researchers develop a method to test feature-attribution methods for machine-learning models. They find that even the most popular methods often miss important features in an image and some perform as poorly as a random baseline. This has major implications for high-stakes situations like medical diagnoses.
A recent study by MIT researchers found that family members trust devices with human-like social behaviors, such as Amazon's Alexa or Jibo's social robot. The study revealed significant effects of branding on perceptions, showing users viewed Google as more trustworthy than Amazon despite similar designs and functionality.
Researchers at MIT have developed a method to control the interaction between liquids and solids, allowing for the creation of surfaces with high or low wettability. This breakthrough has potential applications in various industries, including thermal management, protective coatings, and heat pipes.
A team of researchers at MIT has identified and modeled a major reason for poor performance in electrochemical carbon dioxide conversion systems, which is caused by a local depletion of CO2 gas near the electrodes. By pulsing the current off and on, they can replenish the gas levels, allowing the process to continue efficiently.
MIT physicists detected a hybrid particle composed of an electron and phonon, with a bond 10 times stronger than known hybrids. The discovery could enable scientists to manipulate material properties through dual control, leading to new magnetic semiconductors and ultra-efficient electronics.
Researchers have found that special treatment of minerals called zeolites can efficiently remove methane from the air, with advantages over other methods. The process converts methane into carbon dioxide, which is less impactful in the atmosphere than methane.
Researchers at MIT have directly observed the interplay of interactions and quantum mechanics in a rotating fluid of ultracold atoms. The team created a spinning cloud of sodium atoms, which formed a needle-like structure before breaking into a crystalline pattern resembling miniature quantum tornadoes.
New research reveals that Prochlorococcus thrive in ocean waters where a shared predator with bacteria and phytoplankton coexists, not just warm temperatures. The study suggests this relationship is crucial for the microbe's survival and population distribution.
A field experiment in India found that a one-time capital boost improves the condition of the very poor even a decade later. The study, led by MIT researchers, showed positive effects on consumption, food security, income, and health for seven years after the start of the program and remained intact after 10 years.
A novel quantum-based sensor has been developed to detect the SARS-CoV-2 virus with high accuracy and speed. The sensor uses nitrogen vacancy centers in diamond to detect minute perturbations in the presence of viral RNA, enabling fast and reliable detection.
A new study proposes that life could neutralize acidic environment, creating habitable pockets in Venus' clouds. The researchers identified a chemical pathway by which life could produce ammonia, explaining observed anomalies and anomalies.
Researchers have created a rechargeable lithium-ion battery in an ultra-long fiber that can be woven into fabrics, enabling self-contained wearable electronic devices. The 140-meter long fiber battery demonstrates the potential for practical applications in various fields, including communications, sensing, and computational devices.
The MIT team developed a levitating rover design using ion thrusters, capable of producing enough repulsive force to hover on the moon and larger asteroids. The concept uses tiny ion beams to charge up the vehicle and boost its natural surface charge.
Researchers at MIT developed a selective separation process using sulfidation to target rare metals like cobalt in lithium-ion batteries. The approach reduces energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions compared to traditional liquid-based separation methods.
Researchers at MIT have developed a new fabrication technique that enables the creation of soft actuators with 75% lower voltage requirements and 80% more payload capacity than current versions. This breakthrough could lead to the development of flying microrobots with improved performance and payload capabilities.
Researchers discovered a compact object in supernova AT2018cow, which was a product of a dying star. The team found X-ray pulses indicating an object measuring no more than 1,000 kilometers wide and with a mass smaller than 800 suns.
The coating protects bacteria during the freeze-drying and manufacturing process, allowing them to be used therapeutically. The researchers tested the coating on a strain of E. coli and another species that aids in digestion of plant starches.
Researchers at MIT and Google Brain developed a system that predicts how changing materials or designs will improve solar cell performance. The new simulator, called differentiable solar cell simulator, provides information on which changes will provide desired improvements, increasing the rate of discovery of new configurations.
Researchers identified three prototypical RNA-expression states in pancreatic cancer cells and found that altering the tumor microenvironment can drive tumor cells to become more susceptible to certain drugs. This discovery opens up new possibilities for personalized medicine and targeting specific drug responses.
Researchers have designed a new nanoparticle adjuvant that significantly improves antibody production following vaccination against HIV, diphtheria, and influenza. The adjuvant speeds up lymph flow to lymph nodes, helps antigens reach B cells before breaking down, and activates inflammatory cytokines for a stronger response.
A new MIT study uses climate modeling to reconstruct global hurricane activity, finding a significant increase in North Atlantic hurricanes over the last 150 years. In contrast, global hurricane frequency remains unchanged. The study's findings suggest regional climate variations play a key role in shaping hurricane patterns.
Astronomers have discovered an ultra-short-period planet GJ 367 b, which orbits its star in just eight hours and has a radius of 72% that of Earth. The planet's mass is 55% of the Earth's, indicating it likely has an iron-rich core, similar to Mercury's interior.
Researchers at MIT created a computational tool to minimize embodied carbon in truss structures by choosing between timber and steel. The analysis suggests that substituting materials or changing the structure can significantly reduce emissions, with potential savings of up to two times current levels.
Researchers at MIT discovered how molecular clusters in the nucleus interact with chromosomes, forming small, stable droplets that give the genome a gel-like structure. This interaction helps control gene expression and maintain stable interactions between distant regions of the genome.
Astronomers have discovered an ultrahot Jupiter, TOI-2109b, with a record-breaking 16-hour orbit. The planet is estimated to be around 5 times the size of Jupiter and has a day side temperature of approximately 3,500 Kelvin.
A new study found that research and development on chemistry and materials science were key factors behind the significant cost decline of lithium-ion batteries. The analysis revealed that over 50% of the cost reduction came from R&D activities, with chemistry and materials research being the primary contributors.
A team of chemists at MIT has developed a method to control the blinking phenomenon in quantum dots using mid-infrared laser light, eliminating intermittency for precise applications. This technique may also be applicable to other materials, enabling new uses in biological research and quantum information science.
Researchers at MIT observed the intricate choreography of butterfly scales forming during metamorphosis, revealing a shingle-like pattern and nanometer-high ridges. The findings could inform the design of new materials like iridescent windows and waterproof textiles.
Researchers identified a subset of dendritic cells that can cloak themselves in tumor proteins and trigger a strong T cell response. Stimulating these dendritic cells may enhance the effectiveness of cancer immunotherapy by slowing the growth of melanoma and colon tumors.
MIT physicists have observed the Pauli exclusion principle suppressing how a cloud of ultracold, superdense atoms scatter light. The effect, known as Pauli blocking, makes the atoms effectively transparent and invisible to photons.
A new study by MIT researchers finds that video clips have a modestly larger impact on political persuasion than the written word, but only by one-third. Participants were more likely to believe events occurred when shown in a video, but this advantage was limited to changing attitudes and behavior.
A team of MIT researchers has created a biohybrid photocatalyst that can mimic photosynthesis, improving the yield of chemical reactions for generating pharmaceuticals. The new catalyst uses a light-harvesting protein to capture energy from red light and transfer it to a metal-containing catalyst.
Researchers identified areas of the infant visual cortex that already show strong preferences for faces, bodies, or scenes, similar to those in adults. This challenges the traditional view that these regions take years to develop, suggesting a more rapid emergence of specialized brain structures.
Researchers found that blood stem cells, which are among the smallest cells in the body, lose their ability to perform their normal function — replenishing the body’s blood cells — as they grow larger. However, when the cells were restored to their usual size, they behaved normally again.
Researchers found that human neurons have a lower density of ion channels compared to other mammals, suggesting an evolutionary adaptation for energy efficiency. This difference in channel density may enable the human brain to allocate more resources to complex cognitive processes.
Researchers identified a gene family called MEF2 that controls a genetic program promoting resistance to cognitive decline. Enriching activities appear to activate MEF2, which may help prevent age-related dementia.
A new study explores the problem of shortcuts in a popular machine learning method and proposes a solution that can prevent shortcuts by forcing the model to use more data. By removing simpler characteristics and asking the model to solve the task two ways, researchers reduce the tendency for shortcut solutions and boost performance.
A recent study in Indonesia found that full subsidies increased enrollment by 18.6 percentage points, while registration assistance alone boosted signups by 3.5 percent. The experiment also highlighted the importance of infrastructure and administrative capacity in addressing the challenges of universal health insurance.
Researchers develop cellular models to study SARS-CoV-2 infection of the inner ear, finding that the virus can infect hair cells and Schwann cells. The pattern of infection matches symptoms observed in a study of 10 Covid-19 patients with ear-related issues.
Researchers at MIT and Harvard University have developed a way to selectively turn on gene therapies in target cells by detecting specific messenger RNA sequences. This technology can fine-tune gene therapies for applications ranging from regenerative medicine to cancer treatment, potentially reducing side effects and increasing efficacy.
A new visual analytics tool, Sibyl, was developed to help child welfare specialists understand machine learning predictions. The tool uses bar graphs to show how specific factors of a case contribute to the predicted risk that a child will be removed from their home within two years.
A new study published in Scientific Reports found that lack of sleep affects gait control, with students who stayed awake all night performing poorly. However, those who compensated for lost sleep by catching up on weekends showed improved walking control.
Researchers developed a novel sensor that can detect SARS-CoV-2 proteins without antibodies, giving results within minutes. The technology enables rapid diagnostics for Covid-19 and future pandemics, reducing economic loss.
Researchers at MIT develop a method to decode images of cells in a tissue to determine its phase, which can indicate its developmental stage or cancer progression. The technique uses triangular order parameters to characterize tissue states, allowing for quicker and less invasive diagnoses.
A new study reveals that high-performing AI next-word prediction models resemble the function of language-processing centers in the human brain. The models' activity patterns closely match those seen in the brain during language tasks, suggesting a potential connection between AI and human language processing.