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Massachusetts Institute of Technology


Helping consumers in a crisis

A new study shows that quantitative easing drove down mortgage interest rates, allowed consumers to refinance their house loans, and spent more on everyday items, bolstering the economy. However, the benefits were primarily targeted at mortgage holders from Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalThe Review of Economic Studies·DateJun 25, 2020

Stiffer roadways could improve truck fuel efficiency

Researchers at MIT suggest that making pavements stiffer could improve truck fuel efficiency by reducing deflection and wear on the road. Adding synthetic fibers or adjusting aggregate sizing can increase stiffness, while switching to concrete pavements offers more durable solutions with equal or lower costs.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalTransportation Research Record Journal of the Transportation Research Board·DateJun 11, 2020

Which businesses should be open?

A new MIT study examines 26 types of businesses, measuring their economic importance and risk. Banks perform the best in terms of economic impact and relatively low crowding, while liquor and tobacco stores rank poorly due to high crowds and limited economic importance.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 11, 2020

A boost for cancer immunotherapy

Researchers at MIT create nanoparticles that stimulate the immune system, making cancer immunotherapy more powerful. By combining these particles with checkpoint inhibitors, they achieved a synergistic effect that halted tumor growth and even stopped tumors from spreading.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 1, 2020

Towable sensor free-falls to measure vertical slices of ocean conditions

Researchers at MIT and WHOI have developed a lightweight instrument that can measure both physical and biological features of the ocean's vertical layers. The EcoCTD uses a combination of sensors to capture data on temperature, salinity, and chlorophyll content, providing insights into nutrient cycles and carbon sequestration.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalJournal of Atmospheric and Oceanic Technology·DateMay 21, 2020