MIT computer science students design AI chatbots to help young users become more social, and socially confident.
Personal Tech, Social Media, and the “Decline of Humanity”
In Compton Lecture at MIT, social psychologist Jonathan Haidt warns of dramatic global decay in cognition, attention spans, and civic life, and urges curbs to tech use.
In Compton Lecture at MIT, social psychologist Jonathan Haidt warns of dramatic global decay in cognition, attention spans, and civic life, and urges curbs to tech use.
Seeds of Something Different
Kate Brown’s book, “Tiny Gardens Everywhere,” examines the hidden history of urban farming, its extensive use, and the politics of growing food.
Kate Brown’s book, “Tiny Gardens Everywhere,” examines the hidden history of urban farming, its extensive use, and the politics of growing food.
Injectable “Satellite Livers” Could Offer an Alternative to Liver Transplantation
The engineered tissue grafts could take on the liver’s function and help thousands of people with liver failure.
The engineered tissue grafts could take on the liver’s function and help thousands of people with liver failure.
How Some Skills Become Second Nature
Patterns of gaze and attention can reveal how some people unconsciously figure out how to master a task, new research shows.
Patterns of gaze and attention can reveal how some people unconsciously figure out how to master a task, new research shows.
A “ChatGPT for Spreadsheets” Helps Solve Difficult Engineering Challenges Faster
The approach could help engineers tackle extremely complex design problems, from power grid optimization to vehicle design.
The approach could help engineers tackle extremely complex design problems, from power grid optimization to vehicle design.
Coping With Catastrophe
Japan incorporates more disaster planning into its buildings and public spaces than any other nation. Miho Mazereeuw’s new book explains how they do it.
Japan incorporates more disaster planning into its buildings and public spaces than any other nation. Miho Mazereeuw’s new book explains how they do it.
Study Reveals Climatic Fingerprints of Wildfires and Volcanic Eruptions
In research that could help elucidate humans’ role in global warming, scientists showed how three major natural events impacted global atmospheric temperatures.
In research that could help elucidate humans’ role in global warming, scientists showed how three major natural events impacted global atmospheric temperatures.
More Trees Where They Matter, Please
An international study reveals disparities in urban shade levels, exacerbating the “heat island” effect in big cities.
An international study reveals disparities in urban shade levels, exacerbating the “heat island” effect in big cities.
Mixing Generative AI With Physics to Create Personal Items That Work In the Real World
To help generative AI models create durable, real-world accessories and decor, the PhysiOpt system runs physics simulations and makes subtle tweaks to its 3D blueprints.
To help generative AI models create durable, real-world accessories and decor, the PhysiOpt system runs physics simulations and makes subtle tweaks to its 3D blueprints.
Parking-Aware Navigation System Could Prevent Frustration and Emissions
By minimizing the need to drive around looking for a parking spot, this technique can save drivers up to 35 minutes — and give them a realistic estimate of total travel time.
By minimizing the need to drive around looking for a parking spot, this technique can save drivers up to 35 minutes — and give them a realistic estimate of total travel time.
Study: AI Chatbots Provide Less-Accurate Information to Vulnerable Users
Research from the MIT Center for Constructive Communication finds leading AI models perform worse for users with lower English proficiency, less formal education, and non-US origins.
Research from the MIT Center for Constructive Communication finds leading AI models perform worse for users with lower English proficiency, less formal education, and non-US origins.
3 Questions: Exploring the Mechanisms Underlying Changes During Infection
Zuri Sullivan, a new assistant professor of biology and Whitehead Institute member, studies why we get sick, and whether aspects of illness, such as disrupted appetite, contribute to host defense.
Zuri Sullivan, a new assistant professor of biology and Whitehead Institute member, studies why we get sick, and whether aspects of illness, such as disrupted appetite, contribute to host defense.
New Study Unveils the Mechanism Behind “Boomerang” Earthquakes
These ricocheting ruptures may be more common than previously thought.
These ricocheting ruptures may be more common than previously thought.
3D-Printing Platform Rapidly Produces Complex Electric Machines
Overcoming challenges of 3D printing with multiple functional materials, MIT researchers fabricated an electric linear motor in hours.
Overcoming challenges of 3D printing with multiple functional materials, MIT researchers fabricated an electric linear motor in hours.
A New Way to Make Steel Could Reduce America’s Reliance on Imports
Hertha Metals, founded by Laureen Meroueh SM ’18, PhD ’20, uses natural gas and electricity to produce steel and high-purity iron for magnets.
Hertha Metals, founded by Laureen Meroueh SM ’18, PhD ’20, uses natural gas and electricity to produce steel and high-purity iron for magnets.