News

Giving buildings an “MRI” to make them more energy-efficient and resilient

November 7, 2025

Older buildings let thousands of dollars-worth of energy go to waste each year through leaky roofs, old windows, and insufficient insulation. But even as building owners face mounting pressure to comply with stricter energy codes, making smart decisions about how to invest in efficiency is a major challenge.Lamarr.AI, born in part from MIT research, is […]

Charting the future of AI, from safer answers to faster thinking

November 6, 2025

Adoption of new tools and technologies occurs when users largely perceive them as reliable, accessible, and an improvement over the available methods and workflows for the cost. Five PhD students from the inaugural class of the MIT-IBM Watson AI Lab Summer Program are utilizing state-of-the-art resources, alleviating AI pain points, and creating new features and […]

Lightning-prediction tool could help protect the planes of the future

November 4, 2025

More than 70 aircraft are struck by lightning every day. If you happen to be flying when a strike occurs, chances are you won’t feel a thing, thanks to lightning protection measures that are embedded in key zones throughout the aircraft. Lightning protection systems work well, largely because they are designed for planes with a […]

3 Questions: How AI is helping us monitor and support vulnerable ecosystems

November 3, 2025

A recent study from Oregon State University estimated that more than 3,500 animal species are at risk of extinction because of factors including habitat alterations, natural resources being overexploited, and climate change. To better understand these changes and protect vulnerable wildlife, conservationists like MIT PhD student and Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence Laboratory (CSAIL) researcher Justin […]

Using classic physical phenomena to solve new problems

October 31, 2025

Quenching, a powerful heat transfer mechanism, is remarkably effective at transporting heat away. But in extreme environments, like nuclear power plants and aboard spaceships, a lot rides on the efficiency and speed of the process. It’s why Marco Graffiedi, a fifth-year doctoral student at MIT’s Department of Nuclear Science and Engineering (NSE), is researching the […]

Studying war in the new nuclear age

October 28, 2025

Nuclear security can be a daunting topic: The consequences seem unimaginable, but the threat is real. Some scholars, though, thrive on the close study of the world’s most dangerous weapons. That includes Caitlin Talmadge PhD ’11, an MIT faculty member who is part of the Institute’s standout group of nuclear security specialists. Talmadge, who joined […]

Support with purpose, driven by empathy

October 27, 2025

MIT professors Michael McDonald and Kristala Prather embody a form of mentorship defined not only by technical expertise, but by care. They remind us that the most lasting academic guidance is not only about advancing research, but about nurturing their students along the way. For McDonald’s students, his presence is one of deep empathy and […]

At MIT, a day of hands-on, kid-friendly learning

October 27, 2025

Back and better than ever, the Cambridge Science Carnival, an annual free family-friendly science extravaganza, was held on Sunday, Sept. 21, at the Kendall/MIT Open Space. Founded by the MIT Museum in 2007, and organized with the support of MIT and the City of Cambridge, the 2025 event drew approximately 20,000 attendees and featured more than 140 activities, […]

Five with MIT ties elected to National Academy of Medicine for 2025

October 27, 2025

On Oct. 20 during its annual meeting, the National Academy of Medicine announced the election of 100 new members, including MIT faculty members Dina Katabi and Facundo Batista, along with three additional MIT alumni. Election to the National Academy of Medicine (NAM) is considered one of the highest honors in the fields of health and […]

Over 1,000 MIT students inspired to work toward climate solutions

October 27, 2025

Recently, more than 1,000 MIT students stepped into the shoes of global decision-makers by trying out En-ROADS, a simulation tool developed to test climate policies, explore solutions, and envision a cleaner and safer environmental future. MIT is committed to climate action, and this year’s new student orientation showcased that commitment. For the first time ever, […]