The maintenance of biodiversity is a central theme in ecology and conservation biology. Since the birth of Island biogeography in the 1960’s, a major puzzle for scientists has been how multiple species that are competing for […]
By modeling the conditions of an entire wind farm rather than individual turbines, engineers can squeeze more power out of existing installations. Virtually all wind turbines, which produce more than 5 percent of the world’s electricity, […]
MIT researchers examine role of marsh vegetation to maximize wetland restoration Coastal wetlands play a significant role in our environment by reducing flooding associated with storm surge and waves, providing wildlife habitat and storing large amounts […]
Researchers have developed a biodegradable system based on silk to replace microplastics added to agricultural products, paints, and cosmetics. Microplastics, tiny particles of plastic that are now found worldwide in the air, water, and soil, are […]
Researchers reveal how an algae-eating bacterium solves an environmental engineering challenge. Cooperation is a core part of life for many organisms, ranging from microbes to complex multicellular life. It emerges when individuals share resources or partition […]
MIT research highlights the opportunity to rethink global air quality guidelines. Alongside climate change, air pollution is one of the biggest environmental threats to human health. Tiny particles known as particulate matter or PM2.5 (named for […]
Researchers use artificial intelligence to help autonomous vehicles avoid idling at red lights No one likes sitting at a red light. But signalized intersections aren’t just a minor nuisance for drivers; vehicles consume fuel and emit […]
On April 11, MIT announced five multiyear flagship projects in the first-ever Climate Grand Challenges, a new initiative to tackle complex climate problems and deliver breakthrough solutions to the world as quickly as possible. This article […]
Scientists fabricate new materials and sound from flame Anyone who has gazed at a candle flame feels the calming visual sensation it brings to a room. Fires physical behavior and mesmerizing flickering flame has fascinated humankind […]
Machine learning translates human language into materials Is our consciousness, thoughts, and words a state of matter or the result of our neurons creating a material reality? It’s a phenomenon of discovery that MIT scientists explored […]
With special treatment, minerals called zeolites — commonly found in cat litter — can efficiently remove the greenhouse gas from the air, researchers report. Methane is a far more potent greenhouse gas than carbon dioxide, and […]
Researchers have developed a theoretical framework to explain the mechanics of how growing bodies respond to confinement. […]
Strategy accelerates the best algorithmic solvers for large sets of cities. Waiting for a holiday package to be delivered? There’s a tricky math problem that needs to be solved before the delivery truck pulls up to […]
New research explores the historical trends of changes in vegetation under rising levels of CO2 Carbon dioxide (CO2) in the atmosphere has been increasing since the industrial revolution due to human activities. Burning fossil fuels, releasing […]
New analysis could help identify optimal materials for the crisscrossing struts that bolster bridges, towers, and buildings. Buildings are a big contributor to global warming, not just in their ongoing operations but in the materials used […]