A recent study by MIT researchers found that the public takes a utilitarian approach to autonomous vehicle safety, minimizing casualties in extreme situations but prioritizing personal safety. This 'social dilemma' may lead to conditions becoming less safe for everyone as individuals act in their own self-interest.
A new report calls for increased funding for convergence research, which merges approaches from engineering, physics, and life sciences to transform health research. Convergence-based research has already shown promise, with many universities adopting this approach, including MIT's Koch Institute and Harvard's Wyss Institute.
Researchers at MIT developed a new compiler that translates human-written instructions into low-level specifications for analog computers. The compiler enables efficient simulation of biological systems using differential equations, which describe cell dynamics and chemical reactions.
Researchers from MIT's CSAIL present a new chip design called Swarm that makes parallel programs run many times faster and requires one-tenth the code. The chip has extra circuitry to prioritize tasks and handle synchronization between cores, making it easier for programmers to adapt sequential algorithms.
A new study suggests that China can increase its use of wind power, but not in the most resource-rich areas. The country should focus on integrating wind into existing grids for a substantial gain in renewable energy and reduced greenhouse gas emissions.
The researchers designed arrays of hair-like structures with resolutions as low as 50 microns, printing coarse bristles to fine fur onto flat and curved surfaces. They demonstrated the technology's capabilities by creating Velcro-like bristle pads, sensing systems, and actuation devices.
Researchers at MIT and University of Georgia have developed an affordable eye-tracking system using machine learning and crowdsourced data. The system achieves a margin of error of 1.5 cm, outperforming previous experimental systems.
A new study by MIT sociologist Susan Silbey finds that women experience marginalization during team-based work projects, leading to disillusionment with their career prospects. Women tend to be assigned routine tasks or simple managerial duties, while men take on more challenging problems.
Scientists have detected gravitational waves from the merger of two black holes, 14 and 8 times the mass of the sun, producing a single massive spinning black hole. The detection provides new insights into the nature of gravity and the origins of these cosmic events.
Researchers at MIT and Sandia National Laboratories describe a new way to build terahertz lasers that reduce power consumption and enable tighter beams. The device is an array of microfabricated lasers on a single chip, with phase-locking technology that recaptures lateral radiation, resulting in a tighter beam.
A new study by MIT researchers found that certain energy storage systems, such as pumped hydroelectric storage, can add significant value to solar and wind installations in various locations. The study demonstrated that despite regional variations in prices and demand fluctuations, the optimal storage technology is similar across locat...
By immersing glass particles in a fluid, researchers enhanced the optical properties of both solids and liquids, demonstrating significant changes in diffusivity. The findings have potential applications in imaging, sensing, and photography, including calibrating medical-imaging systems and creating tunable optical devices.
Researchers detected billowy clouds of cold, clumpy gas streaming toward a black hole, suggesting two dinner modes for black holes: slow grazing on diffuse hot gas and quick consumption of clumps of cold gas. The findings represent the first direct evidence to support the hypothesis that black holes feed on clouds of cold gas.
Researchers at MIT develop a theoretical model for topological semimetals, predicting several new ones with unique electrical properties. The model describes the chemical formula and crystal structure of a new material that should exhibit unprecedented electrical characteristics.
Researchers have devised a new method for synthesizing communesins, a group of fungal compounds with anticancer properties, by transforming carbon atoms into radicals and joining them together. This approach enables the production of designed variants with potentially greater potency.
Researchers developed an algorithm that can stitch together astronomical measurements from around the globe, producing the first images of black holes. The algorithm uses a technique called interferometry and preserves continuity in the image by using a mathematical model inspired by rubber sheets and plastic wrap.
Researchers at MIT have developed a technique to integrate both analogue and digital computation in living cells, enabling gene circuits capable of carrying out complex processing operations. The synthetic circuits can measure the level of an analogue input and decide whether it's within the right range to turn on an output.
Researchers show that Super Mario Brothers' level completion can be constructed to be PSPACE-hard, a class of problems considered even harder than NP. This suggests that completing a difficult level in Super Mario Brothers may require an exponential amount of time and computational effort.
Researchers at MIT have developed an algorithm that can build complex DNA nanoparticles automatically, allowing for a broader range of applications in fields such as vaccine development and gene editing. The algorithm, known as DAEDALUS, can build any type of 3D shape with a closed surface, including shapes with holes.
Researchers at MIT have designed a new bioinspired framework to improve concrete's strength and durability. By studying natural materials such as bones and shells, they have developed guidelines for engineers to design cement with precise control over its internal structure and properties.
Scientists at MIT and HHMI use a new imaging technique to observe short-lived enzyme clusters that play a central role in triggering mRNA production and controlling gene transcription. These clusters, which remain stable for up to 24 seconds, can significantly impact gene expression.
A study by MIT neuroscientists reveals that the Shank gene plays a crucial role in the formation and maturation of synapses. In fruit flies lacking this gene, researchers found reduced functional synapses and improper development, which could impair neural circuit development and contribute to autism symptoms.
A new concept in liquid battery design uses a passive, gravity-fed arrangement to eliminate the need for complex plumbing systems, reducing cost and increasing simplicity. The system can be adjusted by changing the angle of the device, allowing for faster or slower energy production.
Researchers at MIT have discovered a process to remove defects in new solar cell materials using intense light, improving their efficiency and consistency. The technique, called photo-induced cleaning, uses illumination to migrate ions that sweep away most of the defects in the material.
Retailers can boost profits by 7-10% by using higher prices with occasional sales for fashionable goods, according to a new study. The approach works because high-value customers are willing to pay more to avoid regret over not buying now, while lower-priced items attract price-conscious customers.
A study by MIT linguistics professors and Carleton University researchers found that children between 3-6 years old use a similar logical approach to adults when evaluating ambiguous sentences, but fail to consider the implications of substituting 'and' for 'or',
Researchers at MIT found that just eight tweets per day can identify users' homes and workplaces. Participants correctly identified homes roughly 65% of the time and workplaces around 70%.
Researchers found that strains of E. coli resistant to one antibiotic can protect other bacteria growing nearby, demonstrating a type of mutualism known as cross-protection. This phenomenon allows bacteria to form drug-resistant communities and survive in environments containing both antibiotics.
Researchers at MIT and partners developed a tiny origami robot that can unfold from a swallowed capsule and remove stuck objects or patch wounds. The robot uses external magnetic fields to navigate and is made of biocompatible materials, enabling potential medical applications.
A recent MIT course has successfully challenged students to redesign the fundamentals of 3-D printing, leading to innovative projects such as printing custom jewelry, cable organizers, and even molten glass. The course's outcomes have also led to patents and entrepreneurial efforts, accelerating innovation in design and manufacturing.
A silicone-based polymer coating has been developed to mimic the mechanical and elastic properties of healthy skin. The material can temporarily tighten skin, reduce water loss from dry skin and provide long-lasting UV protection.
A new paper-based test developed at MIT and other institutions can diagnose Zika virus infection within a few hours. The test distinguishes Zika from the similar dengue virus, making it potentially practical for widespread use.
Researchers developed a new technique using ocean waves and seismic vibrations to monitor ice sheet volume changes, which may help scientists identify vulnerable regions. The technique has been shown to have high precision and can be used continuously, unlike traditional methods that only gather data several times a year.
A study by MIT professor David Atkin found that migrants who hold onto their native cuisines often face a caloric tax, resulting in reduced calorie intake. In India, this phenomenon affects poor migrants on tight budgets, with a 7.2% reduction in calories.
Researchers have developed nanoparticles that deliver antiobesity drugs directly to fat tissue, transforming white adipose tissue into brown and stimulating angiogenesis. The treatment resulted in a 10% weight loss in mice without adverse side effects.
Three exoplanets, similar to Earth and Venus, orbit an ultracool dwarf star just 40 light years from Earth. The planets may have regions with temperatures suitable for liquid water and life.
Researchers developed a noninvasive data analysis technique to distinguish between actively driven and thermally induced motions inside cells. The method, based on statistical physics, tracks particle transitions between states and identifies imbalances that indicate active processes.
Researchers found that tablet use significantly improved children's performance on standardized tests of reading preparedness in three deployments. The system used inexpensive tablets loaded with educational apps and allowed children to explore and figure out the content on their own, yielding promising results.
A new system allows scientists to image RNA inside living cells, monitor its activity and even control it. The modular components enable easy performance of a wide variety of RNA manipulations.
A new decentralized planning algorithm for teams of robots factors in moving obstacles, reduces communication bandwidth, and preserves strong mathematical guarantees. The algorithm allows robots to operate in a world with static and dynamic obstacles while retaining their local and global objectives.
Researchers at MIT have successfully created simple electrical heating devices using coal, showcasing its potential for various high-tech uses. The team characterized the chemical, electrical, and optical properties of four different types of coal, revealing a range of conductivities that can be tailored to specific applications.
Geologists at MIT identified ancient tectonic collisions as the trigger for two ice ages, 80 million and 50 million years ago. The collisions exposed rock to the atmosphere, leading to chemical reactions that absorbed large amounts of carbon dioxide.
MIT researchers developed a system that can quickly analyze tens of thousands of lines of code to find security flaws in popular web apps. The new debugger, called Space, evaluates data access procedures and identifies seven common ways web applications control access to data.
Researchers at MIT and Harvard University have successfully fabricated nanoscrolls made from graphene oxide flakes. The scrolls exhibit mechanical properties similar to graphene and can be tailored to trap specific molecules and pollutants.
Researchers have developed an implantable device that delivers chemotherapy drugs directly to pancreatic tumors, showing promising results in slowing disease progression and shrinking tumors. The device uses a flexible film that conforms to the tumor shape and releases drugs locally, minimizing side effects and improving treatment outc...
A new study finds that the richest 1% of Americans live significantly longer than the poorest 1%, with a growing gap over the last 15 years.
A team of researchers at MIT found that spinning particles, even when separated by tens of times their size, will ultimately migrate toward each other due to long-range interactions. The phenomenon was observed in a liquid medium with inert particles and has potential applications in biological systems and synthetic materials.
Researchers at MIT describe a feedback-control system that preserves quantum superposition in nitrogen-vacancy centers, enabling reliable quantum computing. The system uses entangled spins of nitrogen and NV center atoms to correct errors during computations.
Researchers design a new type of extended-release pill that can attach to the gastrointestinal tract lining and release its contents slowly. The dual-sided device uses mucoadhesives and omniphobic materials to resist being pulled away by food and liquids.
Researchers at MIT propose a hybrid system that combines coal gasification and fuel cells to boost efficiency and reduce carbon dioxide emissions. The system achieves efficiencies up to 55-60%, compared to conventional plants' 30% efficiency.