MITs

MIT researchers have developed a strategy to boost the effectiveness of CAR T cell therapy in eradicating solid tumors. By using a vaccine to enhance the response of these engineered T cells and stimulate the immune system to target various tumor antigens, they successfully addressed the issue of antigen variation, a major obstacle in treating solid tumors.An <span class="glossaryLink" aria-describedby="tt" data-cmtooltip="<div class=glossaryItemTitle>MIT</div><div…

MIT engineers have developed a technology to study the interplay between the brain and digestive system by using fibers embedded with sensors and light sources for optogenetic stimulation. The technology has been demonstrated in mice, where manipulation of cells in the intestine led to feelings of fullness or reward-seeking behavior. This opens up new possibilities for exploring the link between digestive health and neurological conditions such as autism and Parkinson’s disease.Unraveling Connections Between the Brain and…

MIT engineers have synthesized a new superabsorbent hydrogel infused with lithium chloride that can absorb an unprecedented amount of moisture, even in desert-like conditions. This material has the potential for large-scale use in passive water harvesting and improving air conditioning efficiency. (Artist’s concept.)A new material developed by <span class="glossaryLink" aria-describedby="tt" data-cmtooltip="<div class=glossaryItemTitle>MIT</div><div class=glossaryItemBody>MIT…

Roman Jackiw (1939-2023), the Department of Physics’ Jerrold Zacharias chair and professor emeritus. His career spanned over five decades at MIT, where he made substantial contributions to quantum field theory and discovered various topological and geometric phenomena. He was renowned for his fundamental discoveries in quantum and classical field theories, with a significant achievement being the establishment of the presence of the Adler–Bell–Jackiw anomalies in quantum field theory. Credit: Photo courtesy of the…

Inspired by the Japanese paper-cutting art of kirigami, MIT researchers developed a computational strategy for transforming virtually any 2D shape into any other 2D shape. The method could be used to solve various engineering challenges, such as designing a robot that can transform from one shape to another to carry out different tasks. Credit: Image courtesy of the researchersA study inspired by the Japanese paper-cutting art provides a blueprint for designing shape-shifting materials and devices.Kirigami takes pop-up…

MIT neuroscientists have created a computational model that successfully predicts human emotions in social scenarios, using the prisoner’s dilemma game as a base. The model considers individuals’ desires, expectations, and the influence of observers, deducing motivations, comparing outcomes with expectations, and predicting emotions based on these factors. This model, mimicking human social intelligence, outperformed other emotion prediction models, and researchers aim to adapt it for broader applications.Using insights…

MIT engineers have created a soft, conductive polymer hydrogel that could serve as a biocompatible, metal-free implantable electrode. The material, which can be made into printable ink, might be used in a variety of medical applications, such as pacemakers and deep-brain stimulators. It has shown promise in preliminary animal tests for maintaining stability and effectively transmitting electrical pulses, with less inflammation and scarring compared to traditional metal electrodes.A new Jell-O-like material could replace…

MIT researchers have developed an AI-based method to improve safety and stability in autonomous robots, successfully addressing the ‘stabilize-avoid’ problem. Using a two-step approach involving deep reinforcement learning and mathematical optimization, the method was effectively tested on a simulated jet aircraft. This could have future applications in dynamic robots requiring safety and stability, like autonomous delivery drones.A new AI-based approach for controlling autonomous robots satisfies the often-conflicting…

A new technique eliminates a source of bias in a popular simulation method, which could enable scientists to create new algorithms that are more accurate and boost the performance of applications and networks. Credit: Jose-Luis Olivares/MITThe system they developed eliminates a source of bias in simulations, leading to improved algorithms that can boost the performance of applications.<span class="glossaryLink" aria-describedby="tt" data-cmtooltip="<div…

By Bendta Schroeder. MIT Koch Institute May 28, 2023Belcher and Hammond Lab researchers developed a cancer vaccine that could make checkpoint blockade therapies more effective for more patients. Credit: Bendta SchroederA cancer vaccine combining checkpoint blockade therapy and a STING-activating drug eliminates tumors and prevents recurrence in mice.<span class="glossaryLink" aria-describedby="tt" data-cmtooltip="<div class=glossaryItemTitle>MIT</div><div…