MIT and BU researchers develop modular system to design phages targeting specific bacterial biofilms, achieving high success rates. The technology has potential applications in treating infections and cleaning products.
Engineers at MIT developed a simple system to determine an area's landslide risk using data on history of landslides, bedrock type, slope inclination, and vegetation growth. The tool is especially applicable to developing countries in Southeast Asia where detailed analysis has not been performed.
MIT researchers have reversed symptoms of mental retardation and autism in mice with Fragile X Syndrome, a leading inherited cause of the conditions. The study identifies p21-activated kinase as a key enzyme that can be inhibited to reverse symptoms.
Researchers at MIT have successfully demonstrated wireless power transfer using coupled resonant objects, enabling the charging of devices without physical connections. The team's 'WiTricity' concept uses magnetic fields to transfer energy efficiently, promising a future free from bulky batteries and power cords.
An international team of researchers led by MIT Professor Subra Suresh has demonstrated that the parasite protein RESA causes red blood cells to become less deformable, a hallmark of deadly malaria. The study's findings could lead to treatments targeting this protein.
Researchers mapped the stiffness of bovine shin bone using a molecular force probe, revealing non-uniformity in bone's mechanical properties within a single region. The study's findings could lead to improved diagnoses and treatments of bone diseases, as well as the development of new materials with improved toughness.
Researchers at MIT have discovered a direct linear pathway connecting three molecules involved in synaptic formation, shedding light on the 'pruning' of neural circuits during development. This new pathway's role in development and learning could advance our understanding of devastating developmental neurological disorders.
Researchers found that transcription factors bind to different sites in human and mouse liver cells, suggesting distinct regulatory mechanisms. This discovery could help identify patterns in gene expression and provide guidance for researchers using mice to understand human biology.
A new highly sensitive NMR technique using a microscopic detector decreases protein sample size by several orders of magnitude, making it possible to diagnose diseases like Alzheimer's and Huntington's at an early stage. The technology could lead to the development of tabletop NMR devices in every research laboratory and medical office.
Researchers at MIT have developed a humanoid robot called Domo that can adapt to new environments, grasp objects, and interact with humans. The robot learns from its experiences and can perform tasks like putting away dishes, which could help elderly or wheelchair-bound people.
Researchers developed a tool to analyze brain folds using computer graphics techniques, providing insights into cortical development. The model may serve as a biomarker for early diagnosis of autism and other neurological diseases.
Researchers adapt oil industry technology to image the core-mantle boundary at 2,900 kilometers beneath Central and North America, providing detailed views of the lower mantle. The technique helps understand Earth's internal heat engine and giant cycle of heat production and transfer.
MIT researchers have cooled a dime-sized mirror to 0.8 degrees Kelvin, a temperature that would take 13 billion years for it to circle the Earth. The team hopes to use this technique to observe quantum behavior in large objects, which is currently only possible at extremely low temperatures.
A new device created by MIT researchers allows biologists to physically arrange cells to be touching, close but not touching, or completely separated. This enables researchers to study cell interactions and changes over time without breaching the divide, leading to insights into liver cell differentiation and cancer.
A new ocean model at MIT captures the diversity of underwater forests, simulating the growth and population patterns of microscopic plants that produce half the oxygen we breathe. The model's approach reflects natural selection, allowing for a more accurate representation of real-world ecosystems.
The MIT team has visualized a complex network of two types of curves formed by two distinct groups of particles. The first type of curve attracts other fluid particles, while the second type repels them. This discovery may lead to better understanding of turbulent mixing and aid in designing more efficient vehicles.
Scientists at MIT have developed a way to reversibly silence brain cells using pulses of yellow light, potentially leading to the development of optical brain prosthetics. The method could enable specific treatments with few or no side effects, offering new hope for neurological and psychiatric diseases.
A study shows that a wearable robotic therapy device improved arm function by an average of 23% in severely impaired stroke patients. The device, developed by MIT engineers, uses electrical muscle activity to provide power assistance and facilitate movement.
Researchers at MIT developed a new biopolymer suture made from material produced naturally by the human body, which is 30% stronger and more flexible than current sutures. The sutures have been cleared by the FDA for use in abdominal closures and tendon stitching, offering a potential solution to re-opening wounds.
Researchers at MIT and Harvard discover the final piece of vitamin B12's synthesis pathway, solving a decades-long mystery. The enzyme BluB catalyzes the formation of a key fragment, DMB, through an unusual cannibalization reaction.
The researchers created an inexpensive method to screen for millions of different biomolecules using tiny customizable particles. The technology has the potential to make possible the development of low-cost clinical bedside diagnostics and could be used for disease monitoring, drug discovery, or genetic profiling.
Susan Murcott, an MIT engineer, collaborates with people from developed and developing countries to solve humanitarian problems. Her co-evolutionary engineering design approach ensures sustainable, affordable, and safe drinking water solutions.
Researchers developed a new computer modeling approach to study material behavior under stress, offering insights into designing materials with optimal balance between strength and ductility. The model reveals that twin boundaries play a critical role in the strength and ductility of metals.
Researchers have developed a technique to encourage survival and growth of adult stem cells, found in many tissues, which hold great promise for treating injuries and some diseases. The study's findings suggest that by manipulating the environment surrounding the cells, certain growth factors can protect them from pro-death signals.
A recent MIT study reveals a genetic link between gene mutations and schizophrenia, focusing on the calcineurin system as a potential target for future treatments.
Researchers at MIT have developed new analog circuits that eliminate operational amplifiers while maintaining benefits, leading to greater power efficiency. The new comparator-based switched capacitor (CBSC) circuits offer a promising solution for high-performance analog circuits in emerging technologies.
Researchers develop mechanism for capturing carbon dioxide from power plants and injecting it into the ground, where it will be trapped naturally. The injected gas forms a plume that rises through permeable rock, eventually breaking into small bubbles or blobs that remain safely stored.
Researchers at MIT envision a future where cellulosic ethanol becomes a significant part of the US energy supply due to its abundance and favorable energy balance. Current challenges include improving plant material production per acre and fermentation efficiency.
Researchers at MIT's Center for Bits and Atoms have created a microfluidic device that uses bubble logic to control chemical reactions and perform process control information like a computer. The technology has the potential to revolutionize large-scale chemical analysis, synthesis, testing, and industrial production processes.
A new MIT microchip system sorts proteins in minutes, faster than traditional gel-based systems, enabling earlier diagnoses and treatments for diseases. The device uses anisotropic nanofluidic sieving structure to separate proteins of different sizes, increasing the probability of detecting biomarkers.
Researchers at MIT have developed a novel way to integrate photonic circuitry on a silicon chip, enabling mass-manufactured devices with unprecedented system performance. The new technology will enable supercomputers on a chip with unique high-speed capabilities for signal processing and spectroscopy.
Researchers develop a set of 13 leading indicators to predict complex system performance, helping managers make real-time adjustments. The indicators cover various aspects of system management, including risk handling, interface trends, and technology maturity.
Researchers at MIT have created nanoparticles that mimic blood platelets to target cancer tumors. These particles can be used for non-invasive imaging of fast-growing cancer hot spots in tumors, as well as delivering chemotherapy directly into the tumor.
A breast cancer treatment based on MIT research is documented in a new book, including promising results from the latest clinical trials of the therapy. The technique uses microwaves to heat-and-kill-cells containing high amounts of water and ions, showing minimal side effects.
Researchers at MIT found that the nanostructure of cement is responsible for its strength and durability, rather than the material itself. By understanding this organization, they aim to develop a new type of concrete with reduced carbon dioxide emissions.
Researchers at MIT have shown that re-activating the tumor suppressor gene p53 can cause tumors to shrink or disappear in mice. The study offers critical genetic evidence that continuous repression of p53 is required for a tumor to survive.
A comprehensive MIT-led study assesses the feasibility of enhanced geothermal systems to increase US geothermal resource recovery. The report finds that heat mining can be economical in the short term and has a lower environmental impact compared to fossil fuels.
MIT researchers have developed a new method to produce strong and stretchy nanocomposite materials, similar to spider silk. These materials can be used to strengthen packaging materials and develop tear-resistant fabrics or biomedical devices.
The MIT implant, containing iron oxide-coated nanoparticles, can detect metabolites associated with tumor growth and track chemotherapy drug effects. It provides a rapid measure of treatment efficacy, helping doctors determine whether a treatment is working in a particular patient.
MIT researchers report that replayed memories in rats' brains contain visual images, reinforcing the idea that animal dreams mimic human experiences. The study reveals simultaneous reactivation of memory traces in both the visual cortex and hippocampus during sleep.
Researchers at MIT have developed a new transistor technology that could lead to faster operation and smaller devices. The transistors, made from indium gallium arsenide, are 60 nanometers long and can switch and process information quickly.
MIT scientists engineered a new strain of yeast that can tolerate elevated levels of ethanol and glucose, producing ethanol faster than un-engineered yeast. This breakthrough could dramatically impact industrial ethanol production, boosting the US energy supply.
Van Voorhis is developing methods to simulate electron transfer and improve the efficiency of devices such as LEDs and optical displays. His research aims to create a larger portion of energy storage in artificial photosynthesis, potentially leading to more efficient solar energy storage.
A mathematical model developed by MIT engineers can help optimize natural gas production in Malaysia. The model takes into account the complex interactions between pipelines, facilities, and contracts to ensure a reliable supply of this valuable fuel.
A new mathematical model explains the distinctive structure of collagen, a material key to healthy human bone, muscles, and tissues. The model shows collagen's structure from the atomic to the tissue scale, providing insights into its high extensibility and strength.
The MIT and Cambridge University team has designed a silent aircraft that can carry 215 passengers, predicted to achieve 124 passenger-miles per gallon, almost 25% more than current aircraft. The proposed plane features an integrated flying wing design, eliminating flaps and embedding engines in the fuselage.
A recent MIT survey shows a dramatic shift in Americans' ranking of climate change as the country's most pressing environmental problem. Over three-quarters of respondents believe the government should take action to address global warming, and individuals are willing to spend their own money on mitigation efforts.
Researchers studied spider silk production, discovering how polymers align to create a strong fiber. They aim to develop artificial spider silk for various applications, including tendons and bulletproof vests.
Researchers at MIT have developed a novel micropump that enables the creation of fully portable 'lab on a chip' devices. This innovation promises to revolutionize biology and chemistry by allowing for rapid and efficient testing in any setting, with potential applications in military use, medical diagnoses, and first responders.
Trevor Shen Kuan Ng's Ph.D. thesis focuses on the mechanical properties of dough and its behavior under forces, providing valuable information for commercial bakeries. His research has led to a deeper understanding of gluten's role in dough elasticity and texture.