Laser satellite shatters space-to-Earth data transmission speed record

A small satellite developed by MIT engineers has set a new record for data transmission between a satellite and Earth. The TeraByte InfraRed Delivery (TBIRD) system used a laser to beam huge amounts of data at up to 100 gigabits per second (Gbps).Conti… Continue reading Laser satellite shatters space-to-Earth data transmission speed record→

New CRISPR gene-editing system can “drag-and-drop” DNA in bulk

A new technique has been added to the CRISPR gene-editing toolbox. Known as PASTE, the system uses virus enzymes to “drag-and-drop” large sections of DNA into a genome, which could help treat a range of genetic diseases.Continue ReadingCategory: Biolog… Continue reading New CRISPR gene-editing system can “drag-and-drop” DNA in bulk→

MIT economists: Automation is driving huge increases in wage inequality

The gap in wages between the most- and least-educated US citizens has risen sharply in the last 40-odd years, and new research out of MIT finds that more than half of this disparity can be attributed to a single factor: automation. This bodes poorly.Co… Continue reading MIT economists: Automation is driving huge increases in wage inequality→

MIT advance paves way for high-density batteries that handle stress

The field of battery research is riddled with roadblocks and bottlenecks, but there is one problem that rears its head more than most. Branch-like growths called dendrites continue to plague next-gen battery designs of many types, but new MIT-led resea… Continue reading MIT advance paves way for high-density batteries that handle stress→

How rain and rocks keep Earth habitable through wild climate changes

Our current climate catastrophe is far from Earth’s first, but for billions of years life has continued to plod along through these ups and downs. MIT scientists have now analyzed 66 million years of climate data and uncovered a stabilizing mechanism t… Continue reading How rain and rocks keep Earth habitable through wild climate changes→

Liquid-metal tech could allow implants to be dissolved instead of removed

Currently, small metal implants either have to be surgically removed from the body once they’re no longer needed, or just left inside indefinitely – both of which can lead to complications. Now, however, scientists have devised a method of breaking the… Continue reading Liquid-metal tech could allow implants to be dissolved instead of removed→

New camera system taps into terahertz wavelengths for better imaging

A team of engineers has developed a new type of camera that can detect radiation in terahertz (THz) wavelengths. This new imaging system can see through certain materials in high detail, which could make it useful for security scanners and other sensor… Continue reading New camera system taps into terahertz wavelengths for better imaging→

Recycled Chairs Bring the Subway to Your Living Room

A multi-colored chair with a stainless steel frame sits on wooden legs against a grey background.

Public transit seats have a rough life. Enduring a number of wear cycles that would make your sofa weep, they take a beating and have to keep looking presentable. When …read more Continue reading Recycled Chairs Bring the Subway to Your Living Room→