Archive
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Canceling noise to improve quantum devices
For years, researchers have tried various ways to coax quantum bits — or qubits, the basic building blocks of quantum computers — to remain in their quantum state…
Arrays of quantum rods could enhance TVs or virtual reality devices
Flat screen TVs that incorporate quantum dots are now commercially available, but it has been more difficult to create arrays of their elongated cousins, quantum rods, for commercial…
Study finds a surprising new role for a major immune regulator
A signaling protein known as STING is a critical player in the human immune system, detecting signs of danger within cells and then activating a variety of defense…
Sensing and controlling microscopic spin density in materials
Electronic devices typically use the charge of electrons, but spin — their other degree of freedom — is starting to be exploited. Spin defects make crystalline materials highly…
MIT engineers create an energy-storing supercapacitor from ancient materials
Two of humanity’s most ubiquitous historical materials, cement and carbon black (which resembles very fine charcoal), may form the basis for a novel, low-cost energy storage system, according…
Magnetic robots walk, crawl, and swim
MIT scientists have developed tiny, soft-bodied robots that can be controlled with a weak magnet. The robots, formed from rubbery magnetic spirals, can be programmed to walk, crawl,…
Vaccine delivers a boost to T cell therapy
Engineering T cells to destroy cancer cells has shown success in treating some types of cancer, such as leukemia and lymphoma. However, it hasn’t worked as well for…
Scientists uncover the amazing way sandgrouse hold water in their feathers
Many birds’ feathers are remarkably efficient at shedding water — so much so that “like water off a duck’s back” is a common expression. Much more unusual are the belly…
Nanoparticles provoke immune response against tumors but avoid side effects
Cancer drugs that stimulate the body’s immune system to attack tumors are a promising way to treat many types of cancer. However, some of these drugs produce too…
Off-menu materials science
A formerly self-described dyed-in-the-wool chemist who has gradually transitioned to research that sits at the interface of science and engineering, Associate Professor Robert Macfarlane and his Macfarlane Lab…