How the brain distinguishes between ambiguous hypotheses
Neural activity patterns can encode competing hypotheses about which landmark will lead to the correct destination.
Former MIT researchers advance a new model for innovation
Focused research organizations (FROs) undertake large research efforts and have begun to yield scientific advances.
Different anesthetics, same result: unconsciousness by shifting brainwave phase
MIT study finds an easily measurable brain wave shift may be a universal marker of unconsciousness under anesthesia.
Physicists observe a new form of magnetism for the first time
The magnetic state offers a new route to “spintronic” memory devices that would be faster and more efficient than their electronic counterparts.
MIT students and postdoc explore the inner workings of Capitol Hill
In an annual tradition, MIT affiliates embarked on a trip to Washington to explore federal lawmaking and advocate for science policy.
Eight with MIT ties win 2025 Hertz Foundation Fellowships
The fellowships recognize doctoral students who have “the extraordinary creativity and principled leadership necessary to tackle problems others can’t solve.”
$20 million gift supports theoretical physics research and education at MIT
Gift from the Leinweber Foundation, in addition to a $5 million commitment from the School of Science, will drive discovery, collaboration, and the next generation of physics leaders.
Shaping the future through systems thinking
Ananda Santos Figueiredo, a senior in climate system science and engineering, is charting her own course of impact.
Overlooked cells might explain the human brain’s huge storage capacity
MIT researchers developed a new model of memory that includes critical contributions from astrocytes, a class of brain cells.
Why are some rocks on the moon highly magnetic? MIT scientists may have an answer
A large impact could have briefly amplified the moon’s weak magnetic field, creating a momentary spike that was recorded in some lunar rocks.
New research, data advance understanding of early planetary formation
Led by Assistant Professor Richard Teague, a team of international astronomers has released a collection of papers and public data furthering our understanding of planet formation.
MIT physicists discover a new type of superconductor that’s also a magnet
The “one-of-a-kind” phenomenon was observed in ordinary graphite.
Study: Climate change may make it harder to reduce smog in some regions
Ground-level ozone in North America and Western Europe may become less sensitive to cutting NOx emissions. The opposite may occur in Northeast Asia.
Daily mindfulness practice reduces anxiety for autistic adults
After six weeks of practicing mindfulness with the help of a smartphone app, adults with autism reported lasting improvements in their well-being.
In Down syndrome mice, 40Hz light and sound improve cognition, neurogenesis, connectivity
New evidence suggests sensory stimulation of gamma-frequency brain rhythm may promote broad-based restorative neurological health response.