MIT in the media: 2024 in review
MIT Impact and Innovations
MIT's Commitment to Climate Solutions
President Sally Kornbluth is leading MIT's efforts to combat climate change, emphasizing the institute's exceptional brainpower and research capabilities.
Interdisciplinary Collaboration for Health Advancement
The MIT Health and Life Sciences Collaborative brings together researchers from various fields to pursue cutting-edge health discoveries and solutions.
A Nobel-Winning Discovery
Institute Professor Daron Acemoglu and Professor Simon Johnson have been awarded the Nobel Prize in Economic Sciences for their research on the role of societal institutions in economic prosperity.
Free Tuition for Underserved Students
MIT has announced a groundbreaking initiative to cover full tuition for undergraduates from households earning less than $200,000, removing financial barriers to higher education.
Architectural Marvel on Campus
The new MIT Schwarzman College of Computing has been praised as an architectural masterpiece, offering a stunning space for academic pursuits.
Bringing Communities Together
A free, outdoor roller skating rink in Kendall Square provided a welcoming gathering space for residents and visitors.
Three Keys to Success from Noubar Afeyan
"Be unreasonable and eternally optimistic," says Noubar Afeyan, co-founder of Moderna, emphasizing the importance of a positive mindset in tackling improbable challenges.
AI and Innovation in Medicine
Professor Regina Barzilay discusses the transformative potential of AI in revolutionizing disease diagnosis and treatment.
Whale Communication: A Complex Alphabet
Using machine learning, MIT researchers have uncovered the sophisticated communication system of sperm whales.
Astronauts' Recovery Aide: SuperLimbs
MIT engineers have developed wearable robotic limbs to assist astronauts in recovering from falls.
Tiny Batteries for Tiny Robots
Professor Michael Strano delves into his team's work on developing diminutive batteries that could power cell-sized robots capable of delivering drugs within the human body.
Origami and Computer Science: An Artistic Fusion
Professor Erik Demaine blends art and science, using origami to inspire new solutions in computer engineering.
The Impact of Climate Change: Job Shifts and Outdoor Loss
MIT researchers have mapped the potential job implications of clean energy transitions and developed a new method to measure the impact of climate change on comfortable outdoor time.
Professor Susan Solomon's Climate Change Solutions
Professor Susan Solomon, in her book "Solvable: How We Healed the Earth, and How We Can Do it Again," offers insights on mitigating climate change.
Understanding Ice Flow and Sea Level Rise
MIT scientists have developed a new model to analyze ice flow, a critical step in predicting the rate and consequences of sea level rise.
Climate Innovation from Professor Yet-Ming Chiang
Professor Yet-Ming Chiang has channeled his materials science research into successful startups developing solutions to battery storage, cement manufacturing, and critical mineral extraction challenges.
Medical Advancements and Health Research
Professor Hugh Herr designs bionic limbs that merge humans and machines, while Professor Giovanni Traverso explores creative weight-loss treatments.
Lyme Disease Prevention: A New Protein Discovery
MIT researchers have identified a protein in human sweat that inhibits the bacteria causing Lyme disease, opening doors for prevention strategies.
Wearable Breast Cancer Detection Device
Professor Canan Dagdeviren's wearable ultrasound device has the potential to transform early-stage breast cancer screening and provide real-time monitoring of various health conditions.
Fasting's Health Effects: A Comprehensive Study
MIT researchers have conducted a comprehensive analysis of fasting, examining both its potential benefits and risks.
Cosmic Wonders and Discoveries
Researchers have discovered an exoplanet lighter than cotton candy and a black hole triple—a rare astrophysical phenomenon.
Galactic Phenomena: Spinning Black Holes and Ancient Stars
MIT astronomers have developed a method to gauge black hole spin and discovered three of the oldest stars in the universe, shedding light on the history of our galaxy.
Methane Waves on Titan's Coast
New research suggests that methane waves on Saturn's moon Titan have influenced its coastal landscapes.
Innovative Materials and Engineering Solutions
MIT engineers have created a noise-blocking silk curtain and discovered that heating certain metals can enhance their resilience, leading to advancements in fields such as aerospace.
The Human Experience and Social Dynamics
Professor David Autor's economic research has revolutionized our understanding of the labor market, and Professor Sherry Turkle explores the complexities of human relationships with chatbots.
AI's Role in Shaping the Future of Work
The MIT Shaping the Future of Work Initiative aims to address the erosion of job quality for non-college workers and promote a more equitable economy.
Phenomena of Physics
MIT scientists have captured visual evidence of heat's "second sound" through thermal imaging, and their research on evaporation challenges conventional understanding.
Arts and Culture
Professor Peter Child's musical compositions were celebrated in the Killian Hall concert, and the new Edward and Joyce Linde Music Building will foster music immersion for MIT students.
Michael John Gorman to Lead MIT Museum
Michael John Gorman, an experienced science and arts museum leader, has been appointed the new director of the MIT Museum.
MIT's Legacy of Engineering Impact
Professor Anantha Chandrakasan and Pavlos-Petros Sotiriadis underscore MIT's focus on entrepreneurial ventures and mentorship.
Engineering Programs Inspire Future STEM Leaders
Professor Kristala Prather, head of the Department of Chemical Engineering, emphasizes the significant impact of educational programs that engage young minds in science and technology.
MIT's Global Outreach and Impact
Arthur Musah's documentary, "Brief Tender Light," showcases the personal journeys and academic experiences of African students at MIT, highlighting the institute's diverse and inclusive environment.
Thought Leadership and Global Perspectives
President Emeritus L. Rafael Reif emphasizes the critical role of universities in scientific advancement and the need to foster strong international collaborations.
The Imperative of Energy Efficiency and AI Progress
Professor Daniela Rus advocates for increased energy efficiency measures and reliable power infrastructure to support the growth of artificial intelligence.
Digital Twins and Olympic Success
Master's student Jerry Lu explores the use of "digital twins" to enhance swimming performance and improve training methods for Olympians.
Weight-Loss Drugs: Health Benefits and Fiscal Implications
A collaborative study examines the health benefits and potential budget challenges posed by new weight-loss medications.
The Quest for Dark Matter
Professor Tracy Slatyer shares an optimistic perspective on the ongoing search for dark matter, emphasizing the scientific community's commitment to understanding this elusive phenomenon.