Researchers at MIT have identified a link between Musashi proteins and the regulation of cancer cell proliferation. The study found that these RNA-binding proteins can force cells into an epithelial state associated with increased growth, making them a promising target for diagnostic markers and potential treatments.
Researchers have developed a new theory that aims to bring flexibility to computer communication by allowing devices to tolerate some degree of imprecision. By gauging the minimum amount of information needed to convey a point, designed communication schemes can achieve reliable transmission, even in uncertain environments.
Researchers at MIT have successfully turned on any desired gene in living cells using the CRISPR/Cas9 system. This breakthrough enables scientists to study gene function and identify genes involved in diseases, such as melanoma. The new method has also been used to screen for genes that confer resistance to cancer drugs.
Researchers have developed a new sensor that can detect gaseous ammonia, hydrogen peroxide, and cyclohexanone wirelessly using a smartphone. The sensors, made from modified NFC tags, require almost no energy and can function at ambient temperatures.
A new system developed at MIT enables pattern-recognition systems to distill what they learn into simple examples, which humans can use to make better decisions. In experiments, human subjects using the system outperformed those using a similar algorithm by over 20 percent.
Researchers at MIT have developed a new computer model that allows them to design the most complex three-dimensional DNA shapes ever produced. The model enables nanometer-scale precision and can be used to create DNA scaffolds for anchoring proteins, chromophores, and nanoparticles.
Researchers found that tens of thousands of small impacts could efficiently jettison Earth's entire primordial atmosphere, while giant impacts would be less effective. The team's calculations suggest that the early Earth was likely devoid of its original atmosphere, with Venus and Mars also experiencing significant atmospheric loss.
Researchers found that Earth's 'plasmaspheric hiss' protects against a harmful radiation belt, deflecting high-energy electrons with an impenetrable barrier of about 11,000 kilometers. This natural shield could extend lifetimes for satellites and space stations orbiting near the Earth's surface.
Researchers at MIT have developed a load driver device that can reduce unpredictability in biological circuits, allowing for robust and predictable behavior. This breakthrough could lead to applications such as biosensing and glucose monitoring for diabetic patients.
New nanoparticles can perform magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and fluorescent imaging simultaneously, allowing for the tracking of specific molecules produced in the body. The particles were demonstrated to detect vitamin C in mice, showing strong fluorescent signals where vitamin C is present but little MRI contrast.
The MIT researchers' model assumes that large groups of ratings can be clustered together and described probabilistically. They found that just five clusters were enough to account for most of the variation in a population, suggesting that collaborative filtering yields nearly optimal predictions.
A team of researchers has provided evidence that the early solar system's protoplanetary disk was shaped by an intense magnetic field, driving gas toward the sun at a rapid rate. The study analyzed a meteorite sample, extracting individual grains and measuring their magnetic orientations to determine the original magnetic field.
Researchers at MIT have engineered E. coli bacteria to store long-term analog memory through a 'genomic tape recorder' system. This stable, erasable memory can be used in various applications such as environmental monitoring and biological computing.
Researchers at MIT and Draper Laboratory have developed a new atomic timekeeping approach that could enable more stable and accurate portable atomic clocks. The system suppresses the AC Stark shift effect, allowing for smaller, less expensive devices with improved accuracy compared to current fountain clocks.
Researchers at MIT developed an algorithm that can accurately determine whether a patient is suffering from emphysema or heart failure based on carbon dioxide readings in their breath. The algorithm achieved an area under the curve of 0.98, outperforming traditional diagnostic methods.
Researchers at MIT have developed a new way to coat batteries with a special material that prevents them from conducting electricity after being swallowed. The QTC-coated batteries were found to not damage the gastrointestinal tract in animal tests, showing promise as a safer alternative.
Researchers at MIT and Maynooth University developed a mathematical framework to calculate the minimum-security guarantees for any given encryption scheme. This allows information managers to make more informed decisions about how to protect data. The framework also applies to data privacy, enabling the modification or structuring of a...
Researchers at MIT have developed a new system, Chisel, that enables programmers to prioritize energy savings over computational accuracy in certain applications. The system uses a tool to help programmers evaluate the acceptable level of error and automatically assigns instructions to unreliable hardware components.
Researchers at MIT have created a new visualization system that projects a robot's intentions in real-time, enabling engineers to better understand and optimize their decisions. This technology has the potential to significantly improve the development of self-driving cars, package-delivering drones, and other autonomous vehicles.
MIT researchers have developed a new way to model the effects of genetic mutations in mice using CRISPR, enabling rapid analysis of genes linked with cancer growth. This approach fills a gap in understanding the role of cancer-gene candidates and offers new ways for personalized treatments.
Researchers at MIT and Saudi Arabia have developed a method to remove salt from produced water using electrodialysis, which can be economically viable for treating extremely high-salinity water. The technology could reduce the need for fresh water from other sources and minimize contaminated water disposal.
A new study finds that autocratic leaders who sign human-rights treaties do so for domestic political maneuvering rather than economic gains. The researchers analyzed four core treaties and found no evidence of tangible material rewards for ratification.
The nanocryotron device uses a single layer of niobium nitride deposited on an insulator to create a simple superconducting circuit. By controlling the flow of current through the circuit, it can act as a switch, making it a potential component for digital computers.
A team of MIT researchers assessed the Mars One mission's technical feasibility, highlighting the need for new technologies to keep humans alive on Mars. The study found that a system to remove excess oxygen and more advanced water extraction methods are required, among other innovations.
Researchers found that metal nanoparticles appear to be liquid droplets on the outside but maintain a stable crystal configuration within. This phenomenon, known as Coble pseudoelasticity, could impact nanotechnology applications.
Researchers at MIT have achieved a long-sought goal of creating particles that can emit a colorful fluorescent glow and be precisely manipulated into position within living cells using magnetic fields. The new technology could enable tracking the position of nanoparticles as they move within the body or inside a cell, and manipulate th...
The Deshpande Center has awarded $976,000 in grants to fourteen MIT research teams working on early-stage technologies with potential impact on quality of life. The projects aim to develop innovative solutions for disease monitoring, cancer treatment, water desalination and other areas.
Researchers identify physical characteristics of mesenchymal stem cells, allowing them to distinguish MSCs from other immature cells. Isolated MSCs show promise in repairing muscle and bone injuries in mice.
A new study led by MIT economist Sara Ellison suggests that workplace diversity can lead to increased revenue and improved employee satisfaction. However, the research also found that employees may prefer less diverse settings, which can compromise office performance.
Engineers at MIT and Columbia University developed a method to predict cable coil patterns using laboratory experiments, computer-graphics technology, and theoretical analyses. The research aims to help design better deployment strategies for fiber-optic cables and prevent transmission glitches and data loss.
Researchers at MIT have discovered that crumpling graphene can create a stretchable supercapacitor that can store energy in flexible electronic devices. The material can be folded and stretched up to 1,000 times without losing performance.
Researchers at MIT identified a method to boost yeast tolerance to ethanol by adding potassium and hydroxide ions to the growth medium, allowing for higher ethanol production. The approach increased ethanol output by about 80% and expanded to toxic alcohols like propanol and butanol.
Researchers from MIT and other institutions found the Procellarum region on the moon's near side was formed by a large plume of magma deep within the moon's interior. The angular outline of the basin could not have been created by an asteroid impact, according to the team.
Researchers have developed a novel drug capsule coated with tiny needles that can deliver drugs directly into the lining of the stomach, bypassing the need for injections. The capsules successfully delivered insulin to pigs, causing a faster and larger reduction in blood glucose levels than traditional injections.
Researchers have developed an interactive-coding scheme that can approach the optimum on all three measures: noise tolerance, transmission rate, and decoding complexity. The scheme uses list decoding to create a list of likely candidates, allowing devices to zero in on optimal decoding with perfect knowledge of their own messages.
Researchers use zebrafish and rodents to identify efficient RNA delivery vehicles, a major breakthrough in disease treatment development. The technology enables the rapid testing of hundreds of drug-delivery systems, overcoming a significant bottleneck in biotech research.
The researchers created a two-dimensional metallic dielectric photonic crystal that absorbs virtually all wavelengths of light from the sun, but not much of the rest. The material can withstand extremely high temperatures and is made at large scales with cheaply manufactured technology.
A study by MIT professor Antoinette Schoar found that strong client-banker relationships reduce loan delinquencies and defaults. When loan officers leave, good-standing clients increase their probability of becoming delinquent on loans by almost 22 percent.
MIT researchers develop a scaling law to estimate the risk of brain injury for humans and animals, revealing that humans are more vulnerable due to thinner skulls. The method may aid in diagnosing traumatic brain injury and developing protective helmets.
The new underwater robot is designed to inspect ships for false hulls and propeller shafts that smugglers use to hide contraband. With its unique propulsion mechanism and ability to perform ultrasound scans without surface contact, the robot could revolutionize port security.
A new study suggests a way to reduce cement's greenhouse-gas output by more than half, resulting in stronger and more durable concrete. By adjusting the calcium-to-silica ratio, the material can achieve twice the resistance of normal cement, with significant reductions in carbon emissions.
Researchers have successfully delivered antibody mimics into cells using a disarmed version of anthrax toxin, offering a potential new approach for treating various diseases. The development demonstrates the first effective delivery of antibodies into cells, which could lead to novel drug treatments.
Researchers use CRISPR genome-editing system to target specific genes conferring antibiotic resistance, resulting in 99% killing of resistant bacteria. CombiGEM technology rapidly identifies genetic combinations that sensitize bacteria to different antibiotics.
Researchers at MIT and Harvard University have found a way to render excitons immune to defects, improving photovoltaic devices' efficiency. The team used topological protection to create excitons that move only on the surface of materials, governed by applied magnetic fields.
Researchers at MIT engineered bacteria to produce hybrid materials combining naturally sticky mussel proteins with bacterial curli fibers, creating stronger underwater adhesives. These adhesives were found to bind strongly to various surfaces and are the strongest biologically inspired protein-based adhesives reported to date.
Researchers equipped a robot with a novel tactile sensor, allowing it to grasp and manipulate objects in unprecedented ways. The sensor uses optics and computer-vision algorithms to infer the three-dimensional structure of surfaces, giving the robot feedback in real-time.
Researchers at MIT have developed a new method to build MoS2 light emitters that can be tuned to different frequencies, essential for optoelectronic chips. This breakthrough could lead to more energy-efficient and flexible displays.
A new system, RoadRunner, uses GPS-style turn-by-turn directions to route drivers around congested roadways, yielding an 8 percent increase in average car speed. The system assigns each region a maximum number of cars and uses wireless technology to efficiently manage traffic flow.
Researchers found that the human version of the Foxp2 gene helps transform new experiences into routine procedures, enabling faster learning and better habit formation. The gene's protein, a transcription factor, regulates synaptic connections between neurons, allowing for more efficient learning and language acquisition.
Researchers at MIT have created a robotic cheetah that can run at high speeds using an algorithm inspired by the biomechanics of real cheetahs. The robot's legs are programmed to exert a certain amount of force in the split second during which it hits the ground, allowing it to maintain speed and stability.