The MIT spinout Emvolon is placing its repurposed engines next to methane sources, to generate greener methanol and other chemicals.
Stopping the Bomb
Political science PhD student Kunal Singh identifies a suite of strategies states use to prevent other nations from developing nuclear weapons.
Political science PhD student Kunal Singh identifies a suite of strategies states use to prevent other nations from developing nuclear weapons.
Curiosity, Images, and Scientific Exploration
Professor of the practice Alan Lightman’s new book digs into the wonder of striking visual phenomena in nature.
Professor of the practice Alan Lightman’s new book digs into the wonder of striking visual phenomena in nature.
Graph-Based AI Model Maps the Future of Innovation
An AI method developed by Professor Markus Buehler finds hidden links between science and art to suggest novel materials.
An AI method developed by Professor Markus Buehler finds hidden links between science and art to suggest novel materials.
Despite Its Impressive Output, Generative AI Doesn’t Have a Coherent Understanding of the World
Researchers show that even the best-performing large language models don’t form a true model of the world and its rules, and can thus fail unexpectedly on similar tasks.
Researchers show that even the best-performing large language models don’t form a true model of the world and its rules, and can thus fail unexpectedly on similar tasks.
Empowering Systemic Racism Research at MIT and Beyond
Researchers in the MIT Initiative on Combatting Systemic Racism are building an open data repository to advance research on racial inequity in domains like policing, housing, and health care.
Researchers in the MIT Initiative on Combatting Systemic Racism are building an open data repository to advance research on racial inequity in domains like policing, housing, and health care.
How Examining Conflict Can Be “Intellectually Serious” and “Incredibly Fun”
Through the Civil Discourse Project at MIT, scholarly debate serves as a model for productive discussions among MIT Concourse students.
Through the Civil Discourse Project at MIT, scholarly debate serves as a model for productive discussions among MIT Concourse students.
A Faster, Better Way to Train General-Purpose Robots
Inspired by large language models, researchers develop a training technique that pools diverse data to teach robots new skills.
Inspired by large language models, researchers develop a training technique that pools diverse data to teach robots new skills.
How Climate Change Will Impact Outdoor Activities in the US
Using the concept of “outdoor days,” a study shows how global warming will affect people’s ability to work or enjoy recreation outdoors.
Using the concept of “outdoor days,” a study shows how global warming will affect people’s ability to work or enjoy recreation outdoors.
Q&A: How the Europa Clipper Will Set Cameras on a Distant Icy Moon
MIT Research Scientist Jason Soderblom describes how the NASA mission will study the geology and composition of the surface of Jupiter’s water-rich moon and assess its astrobiological potential.
MIT Research Scientist Jason Soderblom describes how the NASA mission will study the geology and composition of the surface of Jupiter’s water-rich moon and assess its astrobiological potential.
The Changing Geography of “Energy Poverty”
Study of the U.S. shows homes in the South and Southwest could use more aid for energy costs, due to a growing need for air conditioning in a warming climate.
Study of the U.S. shows homes in the South and Southwest could use more aid for energy costs, due to a growing need for air conditioning in a warming climate.
Study Finds Mercury Pollution From Human Activities Is Declining
Models show that an unexpected reduction in human-driven emissions led to a 10 percent decline in atmospheric mercury concentrations.
Models show that an unexpected reduction in human-driven emissions led to a 10 percent decline in atmospheric mercury concentrations.
Q&A: A New Initiative to Help Strengthen Democracy
David Singer, head of the MIT Department of Political Science, discusses the Strengthening Democracy Initiative, focused on the rigorous study of elections, public opinion, and political participation.
David Singer, head of the MIT Department of Political Science, discusses the Strengthening Democracy Initiative, focused on the rigorous study of elections, public opinion, and political participation.
AI Simulation Gives People a Glimpse of Their Potential Future Self
By enabling users to chat with an older version of themselves, Future You is aimed at reducing anxiety and guiding young people to make better choices.
By enabling users to chat with an older version of themselves, Future You is aimed at reducing anxiety and guiding young people to make better choices.
Startup Helps People Fall Asleep by Aligning Audio Signals With Brainwaves
Elemind, founded by researchers from MIT, has developed a headband that uses acoustic stimulation to move people into a sleep state.
Elemind, founded by researchers from MIT, has developed a headband that uses acoustic stimulation to move people into a sleep state.
3 Questions: Should We Label AI Systems Like We Do Prescription Drugs?
Researchers argue that in health care settings, “responsible use” labels could ensure AI systems are deployed appropriately.
Researchers argue that in health care settings, “responsible use” labels could ensure AI systems are deployed appropriately.