Quantum physics proposes a new way to study biology – and the results could revolutionize our understanding of how life works

Studying the brief and tiny quantum effects that drive living systems could one day lead to new approaches to treatments and technologies.

Clarice D. Aiello, Quantum Biology Tech (QuBiT) Lab, Assistant Professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of California, Los Angeles • conversation
May 15, 2023 • ~9 min

Engineers devise a modular system to produce efficient, scalable aquabots

The system’s simple repeating elements can assemble into swimming forms ranging from eel-like to wing-shaped.

David L. Chandler | MIT News Office • mit
Feb. 6, 2023 • ~7 min

Flocks of assembler robots show potential for making larger structures

Researchers make progress toward groups of robots that could build almost anything, including buildings, vehicles, and even bigger robots.

David L. Chandler | MIT News Office • mit
Nov. 22, 2022 • ~8 min

UN nuclear agency calls for protection zone around imperiled Ukrainian power plant – a safety expert explains why that could be crucial

Artillery shelling, stressed-out technicians and power supply disruptions increase the chances of catastrophe at the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant, Europe’s largest.

Najmedin Meshkati, Professor of Engineering and International Relations, University of Southern California • conversation
Aug. 26, 2022 • ~11 min

Imperiled Ukrainian nuclear power plant has the world on edge – a safety expert explains what could go wrong

Artillery shelling, stressed-out technicians and power supply disruptions increase the chances of catastrophe at the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant, Europe’s largest.

Najmedin Meshkati, Professor of Engineering and International Relations, University of Southern California • conversation
Aug. 26, 2022 • ~11 min

When did the first fish live on Earth – and how do scientists figure out the timing?

A biologist explains how researchers nail down the age of ancient fossils thanks to a physical process called radioactive decay.

Isaac Skromne, Assistant Professor of Biology, University of Richmond • conversation
July 18, 2022 • ~8 min

What do molecules look like?

A physicist explains how atoms arrange themselves into molecules – and how scientists are able to image these tiny bits of matter that make up everything around you.

Christine Helms, Associate Professor of Physics, University of Richmond • conversation
July 11, 2022 • ~7 min

Could used beer yeast be the solution to heavy metal contamination in water?

A study shows that yeast, an abundant waste product from breweries, can filter out even trace amounts of lead.

David L. Chandler | MIT News Office • mit
June 13, 2022 • ~7 min

Nuclear isomers were discovered 100 years ago, and physicists are still unraveling their mysteries

Nuclear isomers are rare versions of elements with properties that mystified physicists when first discovered. Isomers are now used in medicine and astronomy, and researchers are set to discover thousands more of them.

Dennis Mücher, Associate Professor of Nuclear Physics, University of Guelph • conversation
May 24, 2022 • ~9 min

How ultracold, superdense atoms become invisible

A new study confirms that as atoms are chilled and squeezed to extremes, their ability to scatter light is suppressed.

Jennifer Chu | MIT News Office • mit
Nov. 18, 2021 • ~7 min

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