MIT Department of Materials Science and Engineering

Professor JJ Hu's research includes a method for making photonic devices — similar to electronic devices but based on light rather than electricity — that can bend and stretch without damage. These rely on a specialized glass called chalcogenide. READ MORE

What’s New

Engineers use “DNA origami” to identify vaccine design rules

By folding DNA into a virus-like structure, MIT researchers including Professor Darrell Irvine have designed HIV-like particles that provoke a strong response from human immune cells grown in a lab dish. The DNA particles, which closely mimic the size and shape of viruses, are coated with HIV proteins, or antigens, arranged in precise patterns designed to provoke a strong immune response.

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New ion-based device that operates like a brain synapse

MIT researchers, including Professors Ju Li and Bilge Yildiz, have made strides toward a neural network system using physical, analog devices that can much more efficiently mimic brain processes. The new system's resistive switch is an electrochemical device, which is made of tungsten trioxide (WO3) and works in a way similar to the charging and discharging of batteries.

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Greg Ekchian selected for MIT Technology Review's 35 under 35

Greg Ekchian was selected for one of MIT Technology Review's 35 Innovators under 35. Ekchian introduced an oxygen-sensing polymer to the brachytherapy catheters used in cancer treatments, which was then tested in a human clinical trial. The oxygen-sensing technique is transferable to other cancers and diseases.

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To the DMSE and MIT community

We stand behind the sentiments expressed by President Reif in his letter, which can be read at the MIT News Office website linked here. To our black DMSE students, please know that we understand the ways this moment may be affecting you. To you, and to all of our students, we are open to listening and hearing your voices.

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Congratulations to the Class of 2020!

Congratulations to the DMSE graduates! We are proud of all the SB, SM, and doctoral degree recipients — we look forward to celebrating with you in person as soon as that's possible!

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DMSE professors receive research funding to address COVID-19

DMSE Professors Angela Belcher and Rafael Gomez-Bombarelli have received funding for their respective projects, which focus on addressing the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. Professor Belcher will receive support for her research proposal, “Novel nanocarbon materials for life-development of distributable textiles that filtrate/neutralize dangerous viruses/bacteria to protect medical professional and civilians from virus pandemic disease.” Professor Gomez-Bombarelli will receive funding for his project using machine learning to identify drugs most likely to work against COVID-19.

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Information about MIT's response to COVID-19

Informed by the Center for Disease Control (CDC) and the Massachusetts Department of Public Health, MIT is acting to keep our community safe and stop the spread of COVID-19. The health and safety of students, faculty, staff, and their families are of the utmost importance to all of us — the situation is evolving and we will provide up-to-date information as we have it. MIT updates are posted at covid19.mit.edu. DMSE-specific information is linked below, including new information about appointments.

UPDATED INFORMATION - May 21

Spotlight

Developing new ways to advance copper production

Copper and sulfur are two products of a new electrochemical process that the Allanore group has proposed, which converts natural sulfide minerals into liquid copper and elemental sulfur. Copper is the backbone of the electronic area we live in, and is predicted to support the deployment of sustainable power generation. Sulfur is an essential chemical element, source of power, acids or sulfates such as used in agriculture.

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Imitating mussels to create strong hydrogels

MIT researchers have found a way to create strong, flexible threads by imitating the natural ability of mussels. During the 2019 Materials Research Society fall meeting, grad student Sean Cazzell presented his and Professor Niels Holten-Andersen's findings, which could potentially have use in advanced 3D printing of synthetic tissues and other biomedical applications.

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