Author Archives: Meghan Harrington
MIT Energy Initiative conference spotlights research priorities amidst a changing energy landscape
“We’re here to talk about really substantive changes, and we want you to be a participant in that,” said Desirée Plata, the School of Engineering Distinguished Professor of…
MIT researchers use CT scans to unravel mysteries of early metal production
Around 5,000 years ago, people living in what is now Iran began extracting copper from rock by processing ore, an activity known as smelting. This monumental shift gave them…
MIT students develop spray-on coating to protect power lines from ice
A spray-on coating to keep power lines standing through an ice storm may not be the obvious fix for winter outages—but it’s exactly the kind of innovation that…
Antoine Allanore is forging a new future for iron and steel
The steel mill endures in the popular imagination as a place where coal-fired blast furnaces roar and chimneys belch smoke.In 1950s Pittsburgh, it’s said that white-collar businessmen would…
Felice Frankel invites readers to see the beauty in science
MIT research scientist and science photographer Felice Frankel has released a new book, Phenomenal Moments, showcasing striking images of natural phenomena—from flowers to sautéing peppers—that invite viewers to…
Career Fair attracts companies from across industries
Representatives from 14 companies turned out for the Department of Materials Science and Engineering (DMSE)’s third annual Career Fair on October 22—despite an uncertain economy and a tightening…
Injectable antenna could safely power deep-tissue medical implants
Researchers from the MIT Media Lab have developed an antenna — about the size of a fine grain of sand — that can be injected into the body…
Designing better, longer-lasting medicines
Many modern medicines, including insulin and some vaccines, are made from proteins — complex molecules that perform specific functions in the body. Proteins are delicate: If they stick…
Materials Day 2025 explores challenges and breakthroughs in extreme materials
The rapid advancement of materials capable of withstanding extreme environments—and the ability to manufacture them at high volume—are priorities for the United States government as…
Engineering next-generation fertilizers
Born in Palermo, Sicily, Giorgio Rizzo spent his childhood curious about the natural world. “I have always been fascinated by nature and how plants and animals can adapt…