Researchers at MIT and Stanford developed a 3D chip that integrates computing and data storage, overcoming communication bottlenecks. The chip uses carbon nanotubes and RRAM cells, enabling dense and fine-grained integration of computating and data storage.
A team of researchers used a low-cost Kinect scanner to create a high-resolution 3D scan of the T. rex skull, contradicting previous theories about the holes in its jawbone. The scan reveals that the angles at which the holes bore through the jaw are inconsistent with bite patterns, casting doubt on two popular hypotheses.
Researchers develop fully automated method to analyze neural networks trained on visual data, shedding light on node firing patterns and emphasis on different visual properties. The approach provides specific insights into the organization of human brain and computer vision algorithms.
A team at MIT has created a system that can manipulate particles ranging from molecules to bacteria-sized objects using ordinary light. The researchers engineered asymmetrical particles, called Janus particles, which respond to the orientation of the beam and create forces that set them spinning uniformly.
MIT engineers have developed a functional graphene-based dialysis membrane that filters nanometer-sized molecules at an unprecedented rate. The membrane, made from a single layer of carbon atoms, separates molecules quickly due to its exceptional diffusion properties.
Researchers developed a new tool called FLARE to label neurons during specific tasks, providing greater temporal precision than current cell-labeling techniques. This approach could offer significant insights into neuron function and be used to study learning and memory, emotions, and diseases like Alzheimer's.
A universal algorithm for folding origami shapes guarantees a minimum number of seams, producing more practical and sturdy structures. The new method preserves the boundaries of the original piece of paper, allowing users to choose where seams meet.
Researchers have developed a new technique to enhance low-quality brain scans, allowing for the analysis of hundreds of thousands of images. This enables large-scale studies of stroke outcome and other disorders such as Alzheimer's disease.
Computer scientists at MIT and Massachusetts General Hospital develop a new system to analyze hundreds of hours of laparoscopic surgery videos for training purposes. The system efficiently searches for events and visual features in the videos, enabling speedy analysis and improved surgical outcomes.
MIT biologists identified a mechanism for eliminating genetically imbalanced cells using natural killer cells. Aneuploidy, or uneven chromosome distribution, harms most cells but can help cancer cells grow uncontrollably.
A new study by MIT economists refines the measurement of school quality using a novel approach to Value-Added Models. By leveraging random assignment of students to schools, they found that conventional VAMs underestimate improvement at some schools but provide a ballpark figure for others.
Climate change threatens tropical peat swamps, which once removed carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. Peatland forests in Southeast Asia have been disappearing due to clear-cutting and drainage projects, now potentially destroying forested peatlands.
A team of MIT researchers has developed a new approach to deep learning computations using light instead of electricity, potentially improving speed and efficiency for certain applications. The new programmable nanophotonic processor uses multiple light beams to carry out complex calculations with zero energy and near-instant results.
A summer reading program showed significant improvement in children from lower-income families, with anatomical changes in the brain detected. Higher socioeconomic backgrounds were initially expected to show more improvement, but the study found that family income level was the most predictive factor.
The GelSight sensor uses physical contact to provide a detailed 3-D map of an object's surface, enabling robots to judge the hardness of surfaces they touch. Researchers also use it to enable robots to manipulate smaller objects than previously possible.
Researchers have developed a noninvasive method for deep brain stimulation using electrodes placed on the scalp, which could make the treatment less risky, less expensive, and more accessible. The approach has shown promising results in treating Parkinson's disease and other conditions, with no harmful effects detected.
LIGO has made its third detection of gravitational waves, revealing a new population of black holes with masses up to 49 times that of the sun. The detected black holes were formed by merging pairs and provide clues about their spin directions, which may be non-aligned compared to their orbital motion.
A new wearable system uses a 3D camera to identify surfaces and objects, providing tactile signals through vibrating motors and a reconfigurable Braille interface. The system significantly reduces obstacles other than chairs from being contacted by visually impaired users, and minimizes cane collisions with people.
A new surgical technique devised by MIT researchers could allow amputees to sense and control artificial limbs through coordination of existing nerves, muscle grafts, and prosthetic limbs. The approach has the potential to reduce the rejection rate of prosthetic limbs and improve patient care.
Researchers at MIT have measured Weyl fermion chirality using circularly polarized light, exhibiting an electrical current without external voltages. The TaAs metal produces a large current response, making it suitable for sensitive mid-infrared detectors.
A new scaling law has been developed to predict how objects move through sand, enabling the design of more optimized vehicles. The law, derived from common equations for granular flow, can be used to scale results between small-scale experiments and full-size vehicles.
Researchers at MIT have developed a new technique that allows for continuous, high-precision monitoring of materials exposed to high-radiation environments. This method could significantly speed up the development of new materials for nuclear reactors, enabling real-time diagnostic systems to monitor damage over time.
Researchers at MIT developed a composite material inspired by conch shells, showing 85% better crack propagation prevention than traditional materials. The 3-tiered structure combines strength and toughness, allowing for individualized, personalized helmets and body armor.
Researchers from MIT, Harvard University, and Sandia National Laboratories report a new technique for creating targeted defects in diamond materials, which can function as qubits in quantum computing. The defects produced by the technique were found to be within 50 nanometers of their ideal locations.
Researchers have created edible origami-like sheets of gelatin and starch that transform into three-dimensional structures when submerged in water. By controlling the structure's response to water, they can create various shapes, including pasta, flowers, and more, potentially reducing food shipping costs.
Researchers from MIT's Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence Laboratory have developed a new system called Catena that uses Bitcoin's security machinery to defend against online identity theft and equivocation. The system requires the download of only about 40 megabytes of data, making it suitable for smartphones.
Researchers found that continuous, low-dose cisplatin delivery is effective against smaller tumor clusters, while higher doses are more effective against larger ones. The study's findings support the development of an implantable device to deliver these higher doses without the side effects associated with current catheter-based therapy.
A new nanofluidic device enables rapid testing of protein drugs produced by living cells, offering continuous monitoring and automated quality control. The system can analyze small protein samples in 30-40 minutes, with potential future miniaturization for real-time point-of-care checks.
A team of MIT researchers has designed a breathable workout suit with ventilating flaps lined with live microbial cells, which can be engineered to sense and respond to humidity. The suit effectively removes sweat from the body and lowers skin temperature, providing a cooling sensation.
A team of MIT researchers created a system that allows directors to specify a shot's framing and generate control signals for a camera-equipped autonomous drone, preserving the framing as actors move. The system guarantees safe collision avoidance with obstacles.
Researchers found that Titan's topography may grow through tidal changes in its icy crust, unlike Earth and Mars which underwent active plate tectonics. The study also sheds light on Martian topography, suggesting major features formed early in the planet's history.
Researchers at MIT have developed a new brain implant design that uses thin fibers to deliver drugs or electrical stimulation with less damage to the brain. The design reduces scarring, potentially allowing devices to remain in the brain for much longer.
A new study reveals that extreme rainfall events will increase in intensity globally, with varying degrees of impact depending on region. Regions such as North America and Europe can expect a 25% increase in intense rainfall by 4°C warming, while the Asian monsoon region may see even greater increases.
Researchers discovered that blocking this Wnt pathway prevents tumor growth and prolongs mouse lifespan. Human lung adenocarcinoma samples also showed high levels of Wnt activation.
A new method developed at MIT can selectively remove even tiny amounts of contamination from water using an electrochemical process. The approach addresses key limitations of conventional methods and is highly selective, making it a promising solution for environmental remediation and water purification systems.
A new system of oxide materials can be used to create actuators that function at temperatures above 500 degrees Celsius, enabling devices to open and close valves in hot environments. This technology could revolutionize maintenance tasks in nuclear plants and other high-temperature settings.
A new study by MIT researchers found that Medicaid patients wait 4.6 minutes on average to start an appointment, compared to 4.1 minutes for privately insured patients. The disparity in wait times is largely due to the type of provider seen, with Medicaid recipients more likely to visit practices with longer wait times.
Researchers at MIT have developed a new CRISPR-based model for colon cancer that enables rapid simulation of the disease's progression and testing of new treatments. The model uses genetic mutations with CRISPR to recreate human-like tumors in mice, providing a valuable tool for scientists studying colon cancer.
MIT researchers have designed a system that can 3-D print the basic structure of an entire building, enabling faster, cheaper, and more adaptable construction. The system uses a robotic arm to direct various construction nozzles and can construct objects of any size.
Researchers at MIT have created a system that can manipulate the movement of water on a surface using visible light. The technology has potential applications in fields such as microfluidic diagnostic devices and oil-water separation, where it could enable more efficient and controlled separation of fluids.
Researchers discovered graphene can withstand extreme pressures, potentially increasing desalination efficiency. Graphene-based filtration membranes may enable more productive desalination processes.
Researchers at MIT discovered a brain circuit that governs how we respond to conflicting environmental cues, shedding light on the neural mechanisms behind rapid decision-making. The study suggests that information flow between the amygdala and prefrontal cortex is critical for coordinating behavior in the face of competing signals.
MIT researchers found a way to reduce loops in polymer networks, which weaken materials, by slowly adding components. This technique can improve material strength by up to 600 percent.
Researchers at MIT predict an increase in Nile River flow variability due to climate change, which will lead to more extreme years of drought and flood. The study finds that the El Niño/La Niña cycle will become stronger, resulting in a 50% rise in annual flow variation.
MIT engineers detailed the hydrodynamics of archer fish's jump, revealing its unique propulsion system. The study aims to improve underwater vehicle design and could lead to the development of spyhopping vehicles.
MIT engineers developed a technique using graphene to transfer crystalline patterns onto semiconductor wafers, reducing wafer costs and opening opportunities for exotic materials. The method allows manufacturers to copy and peel off semiconducting layers, reusing the original wafer multiple times.
MIT researchers have developed a way to make extremely high-resolution images of tissue samples, allowing scientists to see complex patterns in brain synapses and potentially map neural circuits. The new technique uses a tissue-expansion technique to boost resolution to about 25 nanometers.
A new coating system developed at MIT can effectively prevent the buildup of hydrates in oil and gas pipelines, which can slow or block flow. The system creates a barrier film between water and the pipe wall, keeping hydrates away.
Scientists found that certain electrode materials can accommodate large volume changes by transforming into a glassy phase, making them less prone to cracking. This discovery could lead to the development of longer-lived and higher-capacity batteries.
Researchers have developed a new test that can detect ovarian cancer months earlier than current methods, potentially improving five-year survival rates. The test uses synthetic biomarkers that interact with tumor proteins to release fragments in urine samples.