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.
Researchers at MIT and UNH find that binary neutron star mergers produce two to 100 times more heavy metals than neutron star-black hole mergers. The study suggests that binary neutron stars are a likely cosmic source for gold, platinum, and other heavy metals.
A new study reveals that early dinosaurs, such as Mussaurus patagonicus, likely formed complex herds with adults foraging and taking care of young. Fossils found in southern Patagonia indicate an age segregation, suggesting a larger community structure where adults shared in raising the whole community.
A new study from MIT reveals that calorie-restricted diets slow tumor growth in mice by reducing fatty acid availability, while ketogenic diets have limited effect. The findings offer insight into how dietary interventions might be combined with existing or emerging drugs to help patients with cancer.
Researchers have discovered evidence of a giant impact that occurred in a nearby star system, stripping part of the planet's atmosphere. The team observed carbon monoxide gas around the star, which they believe was released from a massive impact involving two proto-planets.
Researchers at MIT have developed a new approach to treat cancer by combining chemotherapy, tumor injury, and immunotherapy. In mouse studies, the treatment eliminated tumors completely in nearly half of the mice and showed promise against various types of cancer.
A new MIT study suggests that pedestrians choose routes that point most directly toward their destination, even if those routes are longer. This strategy, known as vector-based navigation, may have evolved to allow the brain to devote more power to other tasks.
A new MIT study provides detailed information on the wave-damping benefits of marsh plants, enabling coastal restoration planners to determine the area needed for mitigation. The analysis incorporates plant morphology and interactions with currents and waves, providing a more quantitative way to estimate the value provided by marshes.
A new analysis suggests that a gap existed within the protoplanetary disk around 4.567 billion years ago, near the asteroid belt, affecting the composition of infant planets. The team found that meteorites from the outer region had stronger magnetic fields than those from the inner region.
Researchers at MIT develop a data-driven process using machine learning to optimize new 3D printing materials with multiple characteristics. The system lowers costs and lessens environmental impact by reducing chemical waste and suggesting unique chemical formulations that human intuition might miss.
A new study by MIT researchers has found that blind and sighted readers have sharply different takes on what content is most useful to include in a chart caption. The study created a four-level framework for evaluating charts, which could help develop more effective tools for automatically generating captions and alternative text.
The Perseverance rover's first scientific analysis confirms Jezero crater was a calm lake for most of its existence, interrupted by flash floods that carried huge boulders downstream. The findings provide clues to Martian climate evolution and offer opportunities to search for signs of ancient life.
Researchers at MIT develop RFusion, a robotic system that uses data from a camera and radio frequency antenna to locate and retrieve lost items. The system relies on RFID tags and machine learning algorithms to optimize the robot's trajectory and grasp the object.
A blockchain-based system allows leader robots to signal movements and add transactions to a chain, while malicious leaders forfeit tokens when caught in a lie. This limits the spread of incorrect information and enables follower robots to eventually reach their destination.
MIT engineers create system to measure generation rate and survival time of CTCs in real-time, revealing variability between different tumor types. The study suggests that small cell lung tumors can shed up to 100,000 CTCs per hour, while non-small cell lung tumors and pancreatic tumors shed fewer cells.
A new study by MIT scientists uses a novel gene-analyzing technique to estimate that oxygenic photosynthesis first originated around 2.9 billion years ago. This evolutionary innovation allowed for the accumulation of oxygen in the atmosphere and oceans, paving the way for life on Earth.
A new study found that benzo(a)pyrene plays a small part in the global risk of developing PAH-associated cancer, with 89% of the risk coming from other unregulated chemicals. Degradation products formed in the atmosphere can also be more toxic than the emitted PAHs.
MIT researchers have found that vaccinating against certain cancer proteins can boost the overall T cell response and help to shrink tumors in mice. The study identifies specific neoantigens that, when targeted with a vaccine, can reawaken dormant T cell populations and lead to tumor regression.
Researchers found that aging workforces, characterized by a higher ratio of workers 56 and older to those ages 21-55, are associated with increased robot deployment in 60 countries. This study suggests that automation adoption is partly driven by labor shortages, particularly middle-aged labor needed for blue-collar work.
Researchers at MIT developed a new way to grow pancreatic organoids using synthetic gel, allowing for study of interactions between tumors and environment. The gel can also be used to grow other types of tissue, including intestinal and endometrial tissue.
Researchers used detailed simulations to detect and study 'quenched' UDGs, which are rare dwarf galaxies that have stopped generating stars. They found these galaxies were not in clusters but rather isolated in voids, with unique orbits that stripped away their star-forming gas.
A new study by MIT researchers found that crowdsourced accuracy judgments from groups of normal readers can be virtually as effective as the work of professional fact-checkers. The study deployed 1,128 U.S. residents who rated news stories and found that their average ratings correlated with those of professional fact-checkers.
Researchers found that seniors moving from low-mortality areas to high-mortality areas experience a significant decrease in life expectancy. On the other hand, urban areas on the East and West Coasts have positive effects on longevity for seniors, while Midwestern metro areas score well. The study also identified parts of the deep Sout...
A team of MIT engineers has developed a drug delivery capsule that can inject large quantities of monoclonal antibodies and other proteins into the stomach lining after being swallowed. The capsule overcomes a major challenge in delivering these drugs orally, which are usually administered via injections.
Researchers have developed a new way to deliver molecular therapies to cells using a programmable system called SEND, which harnesses natural proteins in the body to encapsulate and deliver different RNA cargoes. This could lead to safer and more targeted delivery of gene editing and other molecular therapeutics.
Engineers at MIT and the University of Twente study water jet impacts on droplets to inform needle-free injection systems. They developed a model predicting fluid jet behavior in human skin, aiming to minimize damage.
Magnetomicrometry offers a new approach to controlling prosthetic limbs by measuring muscle length and speed, providing more precise control than existing methods. The technology involves inserting small magnetic beads into muscle tissue, which can be precisely measured within milliseconds.
Engineers at MIT have developed a soft, lightweight neuroprosthetic hand that enables amputees to perform daily activities with ease. The prosthetic features a system for tactile feedback, allowing users to feel sensations in their residual limb, and is potentially low-cost for low-income families.