Scientists at MIT explain how thin layers of single-celled organisms form at sea and can trap phytoplankton, leading to harmful algal blooms. This research brings the scientific community closer to predicting these events and has implications for other ecological phenomena.
Researchers from MIT indicate that underlying gastrointestinal infections increase severity of acute diarrhea and delay recovery. The analysis provides a model for evaluating new preventive strategies or therapeutic treatments.
A new tracking system using personal digital assistants has been developed to monitor tuberculosis patients, significantly reducing the time it takes for test results to reach doctors from 23 days to 8 days. This innovation also eliminates the risk of lost results and is more cost-effective than traditional paper-based systems.
A molecule that promotes brain development may serve as a possible treatment for Rett syndrome, reversing some of its symptoms in mice. Researchers found that injecting the molecule into mice with faulty brain cells helped them develop normally and reduced symptoms.
Researchers at MIT's Picower Institute for Learning and Memory found that two genes cause autism-like symptoms in mice, suggesting multiple genetic risk factors influence autistic symptoms' severity. The study may lead to drugs targeting signaling mechanisms between the two genes and a diagnostic target or biomarker.
Researchers at MIT have identified two genes that are altered in the brains of animals with L-DOPA-induced dyskinesias. The study found that regulating these CalDAG-GEF molecules could have therapeutic value for treating the involuntary movements associated with Parkinson's disease.
MIT researchers have developed a new computer model that analyzes different methods of controlling malaria's spread. The model shows that environmental measures such as leveling land and eliminating pools of water can be an effective strategy in the fight against malaria.
Researchers at MIT have developed a new technology that can generate accurate maps of underground oil reservoirs, guiding engineers to extract more oil. The technique uses JPEG compression to create realistic maps from limited measurements, improving predictions of oil production and potentially increasing efficiency.
A new MIT study found that schizophrenia is linked to an overactive 'default mode' brain system involved in self-reflection. This hyperactive system causes patients to have an exaggerated focus on themselves, leading to cognitive and psychological symptoms.
The portable device is relatively inexpensive, replacing expensive diagnostic equipment with light-emitting diodes. It allows visually challenged individuals to access the Internet, view friends' faces, and express themselves through photography.
Researchers at MIT have created a highly efficient method for pairing and fusing cells, which should facilitate the study of genetic reprogramming in hybrids. This innovation, led by Joel Voldman and Rudolf Jaenisch, improves upon existing cell fusion techniques by increasing the success rate to around 50%.
Researchers at MIT have designed gold nanoparticles that can deliver multiple cancer drugs in a controlled fashion using infrared light. The system allows for precise timing of release, enabling treatment of diseases commonly treated with multiple drugs.
Researchers at MIT have made significant progress in understanding the mysteries of metallic glass, a class of materials that has resisted analysis for decades. The discovery could lead to the rapid creation of useful new glasses made from metallic alloys with unique physical and magnetic properties.
Climate change may lead to a significant impact on water supplies, with changes in groundwater recharge potentially exceeding those in precipitation. The research focused on a semi-arid region near Lubbock, Texas, finding that timing and duration of rainfall events play a crucial role in determining the effects.
MIT researchers, led by Chiang Mei, have developed a numerical simulation model that predicts wave forces on devices and motion of the device. The research aims to optimize energy capture and provide data for efficient conversion to electrical energy. The pilot-scale device will be integrated into a new breakwater in Portugal.
Researchers created a mini-ecosystem to study marine microorganisms' behavior and found they exhibit sophisticated foraging strategies, influencing carbon flux in the oceans. This discovery may lead to better predictions of their global-scale impact on climate.
Researchers created carbon nanotube sensors that can detect chemotherapy drugs like cisplatin, environmental toxins, and DNA-damaging agents. The sensors use DNA-coated nanotubes to identify specific molecules, allowing for precise monitoring of cancer treatment effectiveness.
Researchers at MIT aim to improve weather forecasting by using robotic aircraft and advanced flight plans that consider millions of variables. The goal is to gain more time for planning, saving lives and reducing the impact on customers.
A new detector built by MIT physicist Jocelyn Monroe and her students will aid in the search for dark matter by distinguishing between ordinary and dark-matter particles. The device's ability to identify ordinary neutrons will increase its sensitivity to dark matter, a key step towards detecting the mysterious particles.
Researchers at MIT's Alcator C-Mod fusion reactor have found an efficient way to push the hot plasma around inside the vessel, preventing heat loss and turbulence. This breakthrough could be crucial to the success of future power-generating fusion reactors like ITER.
MIT engineers have discovered that a specific region of the kinesin protein generates the force needed for its movement. The research, published in PNAS, sheds light on how this protein enables functions such as cell division and may one day aid in developing therapies for diseases like cancer.
Researchers at MIT have developed a new method for boosting the efficiency of solar photovoltaic cells by up to 50%. By applying antireflection coatings and complex reflective layer designs, they were able to increase the energy conversion rate. This breakthrough has significant implications for the future of renewable energy and could...
Researchers at MIT have discovered that adult brain neurons can remodel their connections, challenging long-held assumptions about the brain's ability to change. This breakthrough could lead to a better understanding of how to promote growth in cells and regions normally unable to repair themselves.
Researchers at MIT suggest that capturing a fraction of carbon dioxide emissions from coal-burning plants could be a near-term solution to reduce emissions and generate much-needed electricity. This approach, known as 'partial capture,' could allow the US to meet its climate goals while also demonstrating carbon capture technology.
Researchers have created a new model to calculate how much CO2 can be stored safely in geological formations, with potential applications for large-scale carbon sequestration projects. The tool predicts the migration of CO2 plumes and can help policymakers make informed decisions about storage sites.
A study by MIT researchers found that cap-and-trade programs can be effective in reducing greenhouse gas emissions without a significant economic impact. The study analyzed the European Union's system and similar US programs, confirming that markets emerge to facilitate trading and emissions are reduced efficiently.
A recent study by MIT biologists has found that DNA packaging plays a crucial role in directing stem cells towards becoming specific types of adult cells. The researchers discovered that chromatin structure, specifically the variant histone H2AZ, influences gene expression and cell fate.
Researchers have developed polymer patches that can ferry drugs, assist in cancer diagnosis and help with tissue engineering. The polymer backpacks allow researchers to use cells as vectors to carry materials to tumors or other tissue sites.
Researchers at MIT have developed a method to analyze single-cell responses to vaccination, providing a comprehensive picture of the immune system's ability to fight off infection. This breakthrough could lead to the development of new vaccines for diseases including HIV, fungal infections and antibiotic-resistant bacterial infections.
Two pacemakers in the brain regulate breathing by working together in harmony, with the preBotC taking control in adulthood and pFRG kicking in during respiratory stress. This fail-safe network is evolutionarily conserved and appears to be related to cases of crib death and central sleep apnea.
Scientists have found that nearly all human genes, about 94 percent, generate more than one form of their protein products through alternative splicing. The phenomenon varies significantly between tissues, with mRNA expression dependent on the tissue where the gene is expressed.
MIT researchers have created a novel scaffold that can aid in the repair of damaged heart tissue and potentially treat congenital heart defects. The biodegradable scaffold has directionally dependent structural and mechanical properties, allowing it to mimic native heart muscle structure and behavior.
Meteorites containing ancient magnetic records have provided new insights into the early history of planets. The study suggests that small bodies in the solar system were large enough to melt and form magnetic dynamos, overturning previous ideas about planet formation.
A team of MIT researchers has detected a new surge in methane levels, ending a decade-long period of stability. The increase is attributed to an imbalance between emissions and destruction, with the majority of emissions coming from the Northern Hemisphere.
A new approach in cellular modeling reveals unexpected aspects of cell signaling pathways and suggests that the dynamic range of signals may be a greater determinant of cell behavior. The research offers a chance to uncover biological phenomena that might take thousands of hours to discover in the laboratory.
A new MIT study suggests that young, hot planets like Earth could stay hotter for millions of years, making them detectable by current telescopes. This extended molten surface would increase the brightness of the planet in infrared light, reducing the contrast with its star and allowing for easier detection.
The CarTel project uses a network of mobile sensors to monitor traffic conditions and provide drivers with real-time information on congestion and potential engine problems. By analyzing data from multiple vehicles, the system can identify historical and current traffic patterns, enabling more efficient routing and reducing commute times.
Researchers at MIT have made a breakthrough in understanding the molecular basis of smell by mass-producing olfactory receptors. This advance could lead to the development of artificial noses for various settings, including medicine and industry. The innovation involves isolating and purifying protein structures using a novel method.
Researchers at MIT have developed a new theory to predict where aerodynamic separation will occur, which could impact fuel efficiency and more. The study extends existing knowledge from 1904 by addressing unsteady three-dimensional flows.
Researchers at MIT have developed a sensor system that harnesses electricity from trees to predict and prevent forest fires. The system, which uses off-the-shelf batteries slowly recharged by tree power, can transmit temperature and humidity data wirelessly, enabling early alerts and improved fire prediction models.
Researchers found a group of 48 genes that can predict susceptibility to toxic compound MNNG, leading to varying cell responses. The study appears in Genes and Development, providing new insights into how individuals respond to chemotherapy.
Researchers found that our brains use the timing of visual input to recognize objects, even when they appear differently. By analyzing neural activity in monkeys, they demonstrated that the brain can learn to confuse similar images through temporal contiguity, leading to improved object recognition.
MIT researchers have developed a technique called amplitude spectroscopy that can characterize the properties of artificial atoms used in quantum computing. This approach enables the study of quantum entities over broad frequency ranges, which is essential for understanding and engineering atomic-scale devices.
A team of astronomers has obtained the closest views ever of a super-massive black hole at the center of the Milky Way galaxy. The new observations revealed the highest density yet for the concentration of matter at the galaxy's center, supporting the existence of black holes.
Researchers describe a new computer-based technique to identify tau protein structures associated with Alzheimer's disease, offering hope for new treatments. By analyzing experimental data, they found one structure likely to play a role in the pathologic process.
MIT scientists have overcome a major barrier to large-scale solar power by developing an inexpensive and highly efficient process for storing solar energy. Inspired by plant photosynthesis, they've created a system that can split water into hydrogen and oxygen gases, producing carbon-free electricity.
Research at MIT shows how insects trap air on their bodies to create an external lung, enabling them to stay underwater indefinitely. The stability of the bubble depends on the spacing of hairs on the insect's abdomen, which must be balanced with surface area for breathing.
Researchers at MIT have pinpointed stem cells in the spinal cord that can be persuaded to differentiate into healing cells and reduce scarring. This could lead to a new non-surgical treatment for debilitating spinal-cord injuries affecting 30,000 people worldwide.
Researchers at MIT have developed an imaging system that allows them to pinpoint the number and location of mutant cells in intact tissue. The study found that over 90% of cells with mutations were within clusters, suggesting that most mutations are inherited from another cell.
A team of scientists from MIT, Harvard, and McGill has designed a new tactile illusion to investigate perception and how different senses work together. The illusion produces changes in touch perception that are independent of changes in the stimulus, shedding light on brain function and conscious experience.