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Massachusetts Institute of Technology


The physics of curly hair

Researchers at MIT and Université Pierre et Marie Curie provide the first detailed model for the 3-D shape of a strand of curly hair, with applications in computer animation and engineering. The model characterizes all degrees of curliness and describes how properties change along the arc length.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateFeb 12, 2014

A microchip for metastasis

MIT researchers create a microfluidic platform that mimics the spread of breast cancer cells into a bonelike environment. The study found that certain molecules, such as CXCL5 and CXCR2, may encourage cancer cell metastasis, potentially leading to new targets for cancer therapy.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalBiomaterials·DateFeb 6, 2014

Flying the not-so-friendly skies

A new MIT study found that passengers of low-cost upstarts tend to complain less about service quality than network carriers. In a study published in the Journal of Air Transport Management, Michael Wittman tallied airline-related complaints made to the U.S. Department of Transportation from 2002 to 2012.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalJournal of Air Transport Management·DateJan 30, 2014

Expanding our view of vision

Researchers have noninvasively mapped human brain activity with unique accuracy, identifying both location and timing of brain processes. The study used a novel brain-scanning technique combining fMRI and MEG data to pinpoint when the brain recognizes objects and categorizes them.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalNature Neuroscience·DateJan 27, 2014

Weighing particles at the attogram scale

Researchers create a system that can weigh particles as small as 0.85 attograms, opening up new possibilities for studying synthetic nanoparticles and biological components of cells. The device, known as a suspended microchannel resonator (SMR), uses a miniaturized sensor to measure the mass of particles flowing through a narrow channe...

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 13, 2014

Study quantifies costs when failed banks shun financial transparency

A new study by MIT professor Joao Granja shows that more transparent banking practices can help ensure stability when banks fail and reduce costs for consumers or taxpayers. The study found that banks with better disclosure practices received higher bids for their assets during bankruptcy auctions, leading to lower costs for regulators.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalJournal of Accounting Research·DateJan 10, 2014

Never forget a face

Researchers developed an algorithm that subtly modifies facial features to make a face more memorable. The system uses machine learning to analyze subtle trends in facial features and applies these changes to produce a new image. In tests, the algorithm succeeded in making faces more or less memorable in around 75% of cases.

Speeding up gene discovery

A new CRISPR approach enables researchers to study the entire genome at once, identifying genes essential for cell survival and potential cancer-causing genes. The technology could lead to more efficient and reliable alternatives to RNA interference, enabling targeted cancer treatments.

Leaner Fourier transforms

MIT researchers have developed an algorithm that can perform Fourier transforms using close to the theoretical minimum number of samples. This could significantly reduce the time it takes for medical devices like MRI machines to scan patients, or allow astronomers to take more detailed images of the universe.

New sensor tracks zinc in cells

A new optical sensor created at MIT can track zinc within cells, shedding light on its functions and helping researchers study zinc trafficking in prostate cells. The sensor supports the theory that cancerous prostate cells banish zinc from mitochondria to produce extra energy.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 9, 2013

Balancing old and new skills

The MIT model suggests that neurons constantly change connections to explore many possible solutions, but with a balance between hyperplasticity and low signal-to-noise ratio. This allows the brain to learn new skills while retaining previously learned ones, especially if they are not similar.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 9, 2013

Pills of the future: Nanoparticles

Researchers have developed nanoparticles that can be delivered orally and absorbed through the digestive tract, allowing patients to take a pill instead of receiving injections. The particles are coated with antibodies that act as a key to unlock receptors found on cells lining the intestine.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateNov 27, 2013