Researchers at MIT have developed a system called Wi-Vi that uses low-cost Wi-Fi technology to track human movement through walls and closed doors. The system cancels out reflections from static objects, allowing it to detect only moving humans.
Researchers at MIT found that blocking activity in the infralimbic cortex prevents rats from learning to run a maze on autopilot. The study suggests a new approach to treating disorders of repetitive behavior by targeting this brain region.
Researchers at MIT have developed an electrochemical system for capturing carbon dioxide from power plant emissions that can operate without a steam connection. This 'plug-and-play' solution could potentially capture 90% of CO2 from plant emissions while consuming only 25% of the plant's power output.
Researchers at MIT have developed a new approach to improve solar cells by creating the thinnest and most lightweight panels possible. These panels, made from stacked sheets of one-molecule-thick materials such as graphene or molybdenum disulfide, could produce up to 1,000 times more power per pound than conventional photovoltaics.
Researchers at MIT have discovered a mechanism that allows cells to read their own DNA in the correct direction and prevents most of the so-called 'junk DNA' from copying into RNA. This process helps explain the existence of many recently discovered types of short strands of RNA whose function is unknown.
A new study from MIT sheds light on the nanoparticles' fate, suggesting ways to maximize delivery of short interfering RNA (siRNA) for gene silencing. The researchers found that a protein called Niemann Pick type C1 (NPC1) is crucial for nanoparticle recycling, and disabling it can increase siRNA delivery efficiency.
Researchers at MIT propose a new graphene-based system that controls surface plasmons to increase device density and speed. The system may enable high-speed optical signal processing and improved ferroelectric memory devices.
A new study from MIT reveals that a gene called SIRT1, previously shown to protect against diseases of aging, plays a key role in controlling circadian rhythms. The researchers found that boosting SIRT1 levels in the brain could prevent age-related decline in circadian function and potentially lead to health benefits.
Researchers at MIT's Media Lab have developed a new approach to generating holograms that could enable the creation of color holographic-video displays. The technique uses an optical chip, resembling a microscope slide, built for about $10, which can produce high-resolution video images up to 30 times per second.
Researchers at MIT develop approach to print synthetic materials with fracture behavior similar to natural bone, using computer-optimized designs and 3-D printing. The new material exhibits a fracture resistance of up to 22 times larger than its strongest constituent material.
Researchers at MIT have developed an array that precisely tracks motor vibrations through the skin, enabling better localization and perception of tactile stimuli. This innovation could lead to wearable GPS-linked devices providing tactile guidance for navigation and direction.
Researchers developed MACH software to help individuals improve their interpersonal skills through simulated conversations. The system uses facial and speech analysis to provide objective feedback, leading to statistically significant improvements in performance and perceived competence.
Researchers at MIT have made significant progress in understanding the neural mechanisms of compulsive behavior by activating a specific brain circuit that controls compulsive behavior. By using optogenetics, they were able to block compulsive behavior in mice and demonstrate potential new approaches for treating diseases such as OCD.
Researchers found that cities with higher social-tie density experience increased productivity due to face-to-face interactions. This concept was previously attributed to 'superlinear scaling', but the new study provides a more nuanced explanation. Cities with poor transportation infrastructure and megacities may not benefit from this ...
Researchers at MIT have identified 12 chemical compounds that help liver cells maintain their normal function while grown in a lab dish, and multiply to produce new tissue. The compounds can also mature induced pluripotent stem cells into fully functional hepatocytes.
A new MIT-led lifecycle assessment found that more than two-thirds of a running shoe's carbon impact can come from manufacturing processes. The researchers identified hotspots of greenhouse-gas emissions in the production of small, lightweight parts such as soles and found ways to reduce waste by recycling scraps and streamlining assem...
A new computational model analyzes the potential usefulness of drug-coated balloons, which may pose fewer risks than current treatments. The model explains how factors like balloon size and drug coating influence drug release and distribution.
Researchers developed an injectable nanogel that can monitor blood-sugar levels and secrete insulin in response, offering a potential solution to Type 1 diabetes. The system consists of nanoparticles with enzyme-loaded dextran spheres that release insulin when glucose levels are high.
Researchers at MIT have discovered a method to engineer graphene with a band gap, necessary for transistors and semiconductor devices. The new technique involves stacking graphene with hexagonal boron nitride, producing a hybrid material with varying electronic characteristics.
MIT researchers have developed a new method for manufacturing filters in frequency-hopping radios that enables 14 times more filters on a single chip. This improvement increases the performance of these devices while minimizing space constraints, making them ideal for handheld devices. The new approach uses techniques already common in...
Researchers at MIT have identified ALKBH7 as a key protein involved in programmed necrosis, a cell death pathway that can help prevent cancer cells from surviving DNA damage. By mimicking the effects of this protein, drugs may be able to induce necrosis in resistant cancer cells, providing a new potential target for cancer treatment.
Researchers at MIT have identified strains of H3N2 circulating in birds and pigs that could potentially cause a pandemic if they jump to humans. Current flu vaccines may not offer protection against these strains.
An interdisciplinary team from MIT identified cirrus clouds' major seeds as mineral dust and metallic aerosols. The study found that these particles freeze into ice crystals, influencing global climate patterns.
A new study from MIT's Marta González and Christian Schneider found that people in Chicago and Paris make secondary trips in a consistent manner, with only 17 out of 1 million possible trip sequences used. This pattern, or 'motif,' indicates that individuals plan ahead and avoid revisiting locations to optimize travel time and distance.
A new process developed by MIT researchers uses molten oxide electrolysis to produce steel without emitting greenhouse gases, resulting in higher purity metal and potential cost savings. The method could be adapted for production of other metals and alloys with similar advantages.
A new study by MIT researchers shows that people make mental edits when processing confusing information and use specific strategies to make sense of language. They also adapt their approach when presented with increasingly nonsensical sentences, inferring lower amounts of 'noise' in the language.
Researchers at MIT have developed a new solar-cell coating that can boost efficiency to 34%, harnessing the energy of visible light to convert sunlight into electricity more efficiently. The breakthrough could lead to significantly higher solar panel performances, potentially reaching over 30% efficiency.
Researchers at MIT have found that the molecular structure of aggrecans in cartilage makes it more susceptible to damage from physical activities like running or jumping. This discovery could help develop tests to diagnose arthritis earlier and guide engineers in designing replacement cartilage.
Researchers at MIT found that measuring recovery length, a spatial counterpart to recovery time, can help predict population collapse risk. By analyzing variations in population density in neighboring regions, scientists can identify areas at risk of collapse, allowing for timely intervention.
Researchers used Kauai's unique rainfall gradient to test the relationship between precipitation and erosion, finding a strong correlation between rainfall rates and erosion rates. They also found that factoring precipitation into a widely used mathematical formula improved accuracy in predicting erosion rates.
Researchers at MIT have developed a novel approach to protecting against the dengue virus using mutated antibodies. The new therapy has shown significant promise in neutralizing all four serotypes of the virus and could be ready for human trials within two to three years.
Researchers have discovered that nanowires can naturally draw liquid upward in a thin film coating the wire's surface. This phenomenon has potential applications in inkjet printing, biomedical research, and microfluidic devices, enabling small-scale liquid transport and manipulation.
Scientists have long debated the structure of alpha synuclein, a protein associated with Parkinson's. A new study models its structure, finding that it can rapidly switch between different conformations. The researchers suggest that stabilizing an ordered structure could prevent aggregation and offer a new drug-design strategy.
A study by MIT and Université Catholique de Louvain found that just four points of reference were enough to uniquely identify 95% of cellphone users in a data set of 1.5 million users. The researchers used statistical physics tools to uncover a simple mathematical relationship between data resolution and identification probability.
The end-Triassic extinction was caused by widespread volcanic eruptions in the Central Atlantic Magmatic Province, which spewed forth huge amounts of lava and gas. The eruptions occurred precisely when the extinction began, providing strong evidence that they triggered the event.
Researchers from Ragon Institute develop a computational method to analyze viral protein sequences, identifying vulnerabilities that could be exploited for vaccine development. The approach uses spin glass models and fitness landscapes to predict the prevalence of mutant proteins, providing a new way to design effective HIV vaccines.
Researchers at MIT and the Santa Fe Institute found that some widely used formulas, such as Moore's Law and Wright's Law, offer superior approximations of technological progress. The study analyzed data from 62 industries and found that these two laws best match actual technological advancements over past decades.
A new study tracked brain activity in human volunteers as they lost and regained consciousness, revealing distinctive patterns linked to different stages of general anesthesia. The findings could improve monitoring systems used during surgery, reducing the risk of rare cases where patients wake up during operations.
A team of MIT researchers has published a detailed analysis of the factors that limit the efficiency of artificial leaf systems, which could lead to the production of a commercial viable prototype. The study suggests that combining the right solar cells and catalysts can improve efficiencies of 16 percent or more.
MIT researchers have developed an algorithm that solves graph Laplacians in nearly linear time, using a spanning tree to simplify the calculation. This approach has significant implications for various applications, including scheduling, image processing, and online product recommendation.
Researchers at MIT synthesized and tested 60 fungal compounds, finding some to be potent against human cancer cells. The most effective compounds had specific sulfur atom arrangements and larger attached rings.
A new study suggests that consumers select health insurance plans based on both their overall wellness level and anticipated response to having insurance. The research indicates that people with lower behavioral responses to the contract are more likely to opt for high-deductible plans.
Researchers at MIT have detected fluctuating charge-density waves in high-temperature superconductors, a key finding that could help understand the phenomenon and potentially lead to room-temperature superconductors. The new technique sheds light on the exotic state of matter, which has remained poorly understood despite intense research.
Researchers at MIT analyzed MESSENGER data to identify two distinct rock compositions on Mercury's surface, suggesting a massive lava flow and subsequent magma ocean. The team recreated the rock types in the lab and simulated geological processes to support their hypothesis.
According to MIT researchers, human language may have originated in birdsong, combining an expression layer with a lexical layer. This combination triggered the emergence of complex communication patterns, including finite vocabularies and melodic capacity.
The new chip performs real-time HEVC encoding and decoding, enabling four times the resolution of current TVs. It achieves this through pipelining and matrix multiplication to reduce computational complexity.
A new processor chip developed at MIT can convert amateur smartphone photos into professional-looking images in a fraction of a second. The chip uses a bilateral grid method to organize and store data, allowing it to avoid blurring across edges while enhancing lighting in dark scenes.
MIT researchers have developed a new method to study droplet adhesion using a modified scanning electron microscope. They found that the angle of a droplet's leading and trailing edges relative to a surface plays a crucial role in determining whether it sticks, and that surface texture on rough surfaces can either improve or worsen adh...
Researchers at MIT have developed a method to increase isobutanol production in yeast by up to 260%, boosting it entirely within mitochondria. This approach may also be applicable to other biochemicals, opening opportunities for metabolic engineering and renewable energy production.
Researchers at MIT have developed a new passivation process that can protect silicon surfaces at room temperature, reducing energy costs and enabling the production of more efficient solar cells. This breakthrough has the potential to replace traditional silicon nitride coatings, which are currently expensive and finicky.