The MIT SPHERES project aims to develop autonomous space vehicles that can maintain their positions via radio links, interacting almost constantly. The first critical test of the SPHERE is set for May 18 inside the space station, with two additional satellites scheduled to reach the station later this year.
A recent study by MIT chemist Catherine L. Drennan has discovered the simple secret behind how organisms create self-medications like antibiotics and anti-tumor agents. The enzyme SyrB2, which uses a smaller amino acid to bind halides, reveals an elegant simplicity in its mechanism.
Researchers at MIT and Brigham have developed a way to design nanoparticles that can selectively deliver chemotherapy to cancer cells while leaving healthy cells intact. The particles, which are about 150 nanometers in size, use targeting molecules called aptamers to home in on cancer cells.
The MIT team used an intricate assembly process to create a functional electronic device from viruses, producing dense films of cobalt oxide and gold. The result is a nanoscale battery material with high energy density, suitable for compact energy storage applications.
Researchers applied engineering tools to study cell decision-making in cancer and inflammatory diseases. The studies uncovered a surprising link between the two, suggesting new treatment approaches for debilitating conditions like rheumatoid arthritis.
Scientists at MIT uncover a crucial mechanism driving plankton evolution, enabling them to adapt to changing environmental conditions. The discovery highlights the importance of gene diversity and exchange between microbes and viruses in shaping ocean ecosystems.
MIT researchers have made a breakthrough in creating morphing vehicles by utilizing rechargeable batteries. The team's innovative approach involves using the expansion and contraction of solid compounds to actuate large-scale structures, allowing for seamless shape changes.
The MIT team uses particle-spring systems to create three-dimensional designs that can find a structure's most efficient form in minutes. Historically, finding new structural forms required physical means, but this method offers a more efficient and sustainable approach.
Researchers at MIT have discovered a compound called B2 that promotes the formation of large protein inclusions, which may help stop Huntington's disease progression. The compound also shows promise for treating Parkinson's disease, another neurodegenerative disorder caused by misfolded proteins.
Researchers at MIT developed a tool to selectively irradiate blood vessels to study radiation damage. This technique has the potential to reduce side effects for cancer patients treated with radiation therapy.
Researchers at MIT create a new alloy using nanostructure manipulation to replace chromium, a toxic material used in industrial coatings, reducing fumes and improving resistance to corrosion. The technology has the potential to transform industries and improve worker safety.
Researchers at MIT have developed a new type of lithium battery that can charge and discharge in about 10 minutes, making it closer to the timeframe needed for hybrid car batteries. The new material is more stable and safer than existing lithium cobalt oxide batteries, which are used in small devices.
Researchers at MIT have created a new type of ultracapacitor using nanotube structures, which can increase the storage capacity by up to 25 times. This innovation has the potential to provide a more efficient and economically viable alternative to conventional batteries.
Researchers capture the structure of a virus poised to inject its genetic material into a host cell for the first time, providing unprecedented detail. The images show a long coil of DNA dangling inside the viral shell, waiting to be ejected via a protein channel just inside the shell exterior.
A new MIT sensor system tracks enormous fish populations over a vast area, revealing the first-ever images of these groups. Researchers observed fractal patterns and 'waves' of population density, potentially indicating communication among fish.
A novel autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV) has photographed the ancient Greek shipwreck on the ocean floor, revealing detailed images of cargo remnants. The project marks a significant milestone in underwater archaeology, using advanced technology to survey and map shipwrecks with unprecedented accuracy.
A new theory explains how cracks propagate in brittle materials, shedding light on material failure in nanoscale devices, airplanes, and earthquakes. The research simulates the behavior of atoms under extreme conditions, uncovering the physics behind fractures.
Researchers have discovered a remarkably stable indentation in the fabric of space and time, created by the spin of a black hole. The finding is based on identical patterns observed in X-ray light emitted near the black hole nine years apart, using NASA's Rossi X-ray Timing Explorer.
A team from MIT and Harvard found that a certain type of X-ray explosion common on neutron stars is never seen around their black hole cousins, indicating the presence of an event horizon. The absence of surface explosions called X-ray bursts suggests that gas released by nearby stars vanishes into a void.
Researchers have found evidence of neuron growth in adult brains, particularly in dendrites, which could lead to new treatments for diseases like paralysis. The study's findings suggest that using neurons can stimulate growth, providing a potential approach to enhancing brain plasticity and improving functional outcomes.
MIT physicists and NIST colleagues report the most precise direct test yet of Einstein's E=mc^2, verifying the formula's accuracy with an unprecedented precision. The team's findings validate the equivalence of energy and mass, strengthening the theory's position in modern physics.
MIT researchers have developed a way to test the mechanical properties of almost 600 different materials in a matter of days. This breakthrough could lead to faster identification of dental implants and tank armor with improved resistance.
A new perspective on cortical development suggests that genetic and environmental factors interact to shape brain regions. Researchers, led by Mriganka Sur, have discovered that transcription factors play a key role in controlling cell growth and connectivity during early prenatal development.
Researchers at MIT have proposed a new theory that could eliminate the obstacle of limited speed and control in artificial muscles. By applying specific light frequencies, engineers can activate devices more quickly without added energy demands or extra weight.
Insects use unique postures and forces to propel themselves up steep, slippery menisci in water. Researchers found two species of water treaders create dimples in the surface with their legs, generating forces that suck them up the slope.
Researchers at MIT created electronic maps of cellphone use in Graz, Austria, tracking tens of thousands of people using anonymous data. The project showcases the dynamics of a city in real time, opening up new possibilities for urban studies and planning.
A team of scientists led by Alan E.E. Rogers successfully detected deuterium using a radio telescope array, a significant breakthrough in understanding the universe's origins. The detection has implications for understanding dark matter and cosmic baryon density.
A new dye, NIAD-4, has been developed to allow direct imaging of Alzheimer's plaques through a patient's skull without invasive procedures. The compound binds to amyloid brain plaques and fluoresces when exposed to near-infrared radiation, providing clear visual images.
Researchers design dual-chamber nanocell to deliver anti-angiogenic and chemotherapy drugs to tumors, reducing toxicity and improving survival rates. The new approach shows great potential in treating two types of cancers, with mice surviving up to 65 days without severe side effects.
The MIT-Williams team successfully observed the occultation of a star by Charon, Pluto's moon, using multiple telescopes in Chile. The data will help determine Charon's radius and whether it has an atmosphere, with implications for understanding the moon's composition and potential habitability.
Researchers at MIT have created an Anklebot to aid stroke patients in regaining ankle movement. The device is one part of a larger robotic gym targeting different limbs, building on previous success with arm rehabilitation.
Researchers at MIT have successfully observed fermionic superfluidity in a lithium-6 isotope, enabling the study of high-temperature superconductivity. The team achieved this by cooling gas close to absolute zero and trapping it using laser beams.
Researchers at MIT have developed a novel approach to creating vascularized muscle tissue using a tri-culture scaffold composed of myoblasts, endothelial cells, and fibroblasts. The resulting implants showed improved integration with the host tissues and functioned in living mice and rats.
A new printing method called Supramolecular Nano-Stamping (SuNS) enables the mass production of complex nano-scale patterns, including DNA microarrays. This could revolutionize diagnostics by making DNA analysis routine and inexpensive.
Researchers propose Assured Nuclear Fuel Services Initiative (ANSFI) to provide nuclear fuel services to countries without enrichment capabilities. The initiative aims to prevent proliferation by making it economically attractive for countries to join, reducing the risk of weapons development.
Researchers in Nepal have identified a previously unknown fault that confirms intuition about deformation at depth in the Earth's crust. The discovery suggests a feedback mechanism between erosion and tectonic deformation, with implications for understanding mountain building processes.
Researchers at MIT have developed a new family of materials that can change shape in response to light, offering potential for minimally invasive surgery and other applications. The polymers use molecular switches that bind together when exposed to UV light, allowing them to maintain their shape until the light is switched off.
Researchers from MIT and Daniel Webster College found that the effective tax rate on airline tickets is steadily increasing, with passengers facing a 19% average tax on top of ticket prices. The study suggests that airlines cannot raise airfares to keep pace with inflation, while taxpayers may be subsidizing security costs.
Students at three African universities will be able to test and probe microelectronic devices remotely, thanks to a partnership with MIT. The project aims to enhance science and engineering education in Africa, with cultural-exchange components and faculty collaborations.
A recent MIT survey found that the US public is poorly informed about climate change and carbon capture and storage (CCS), a key mitigation technology. The survey revealed that only 17% of respondents had heard or read about CCS in the past year, while many were unaware of other energy-related solutions like hydrogen cars and wind energy.
A recent MIT study analyzed 17 peer-reviewed papers on melatonin and found it to be a significant sleep aid in small doses. The study challenges the common assumption that high doses of melatonin are ineffective, highlighting the need for more accurate dosing information.
Three independent teams, including MIT, have developed walking robots that mimic human gait and control. The MIT robot, called Toddler, uses a learning program to adapt to terrain in under 20 minutes. The robots' efficiency and potential applications for robotic prostheses and understanding the human motor system are significant.
Researchers at MIT have created a new mouse model of cancer syndrome by introducing point mutations in the tumor suppressor gene p53. The study shows that these subtle mutations can lead to a broad range of tumors in mice, potentially providing insights into treating cancers with similar genetic profiles.
Researchers at MIT used nanotechnology to study how malaria affects human blood cells, revealing new insights into the disease's impact. The study could lead to better treatments for malaria and other diseases by understanding how parasites affect cell behavior and function.
A team of MIT researchers has successfully created a patch of heart tissue that displays characteristics of mature cardiac tissue, including regular contractions. The innovation involves seeding cells onto a biodegradable scaffold and applying electrical signals to mimic natural heart rhythms.
The Levitated Dipole Experiment (LDX) at MIT and Columbia University is conducting basic studies of confined high-temperature matter and investigating plasma for potential fusion energy. Scientists are using powerful magnets to initiate, sustain, and control plasma in a process that releases large amounts of energy.
The MIT guidance system allows pilots to issue high-level commands, such as 'fly to Task Area B', to a UAV, which executes them while avoiding threats. The system uses a natural-language interface and task scheduler to improve safety and efficiency.
The team created two prototype fibers with new technology, combining optical and electronic components, enabling smart fabrics and potential computer interface innovations. Assembling the fibers into woven structures allows for precise identification of light sources on surfaces.
A team of researchers from MIT has identified three new carcinogens found in cigarette smoke as risk factors for bladder cancer in nonsmokers. The study, led by Professor Steven R. Tannenbaum, aimed to identify sources of exposure for non-smokers and highlights the importance of preventing cancer rather than treating it.
The study introduces value-based metrics such as value retention and value-added to evaluate the effectiveness of electronics recycling firms. It found that these metrics worked well in case studies of three US firms and can help improve recycling efficiency.