Scientists capture first-ever view of a hidden quantum phase in a 2D crystal

Single-shot spectroscopy techniques provide researchers with a new understanding of a mysterious light-driven process.

Sandi Miller | Department of Physics • mit
July 22, 2022 • ~5 min

Megalodon sharks ruled the oceans millions of years ago – new analyses of giant fossilized teeth are helping scientists unravel the mystery of their extinction

Megalodon, the world’s largest known shark species, swam the oceans long before humans existed. Its teeth are all that’s left, and they tell a story of an apex predator that vanished.

Sora Kim, Assistant Professor of Paleoecology, University of California, Merced • conversation
July 20, 2022 • ~8 min

To search for alien life, astronomers will look for clues in the atmospheres of distant planets – and the James Webb Space Telescope just proved it's possible to do so

Life on Earth has dramatically changed the chemistry of the planet. Astronomers will measure light that bounces off distant planets to look for similar clues that they host life.

Daniel Apai, Professor of Astronomy and Planetary Sciences, University of Arizona • conversation
July 14, 2022 • ~10 min

Improving science literacy means changing science education

College science classes often fall short of helping students see connections across subjects. Can a new approach make a difference?

Zahilyn D. Roche Allred, Postdoctoral Scholar, Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Florida International University • conversation
July 12, 2022 • ~7 min

How a shape-shifting receptor influences cell growth

Insight into the way the EGF receptor sends signals into cells could help researchers design new cancer drugs that target this protein.

Anne Trafton | MIT News Office • mit
July 6, 2022 • ~6 min

Keeping cool without warming the planet

Harvard scientists have developed a revolutionary new mechanism that could unlock environmentally friendly air conditioning.

Yahya Chaudhry • harvard
June 24, 2022 • ~6 min

New sunscreen component would last longer

Research on cancer drugs shifted course to produce a longer-lasting version of avobenzone, a common ingredient in sunscreen.

Rachel Harrison-NYU • futurity
June 23, 2022 • ~6 min

What is BPA and why is it in so many plastic products?

The US Environmental Protection Agency is reexamining the health effects of bisphenol A. A chemist explains why BPA is in plastics and why it’s hard to find a safe replacement.

Benjamin Elling, Assistant Professor of Chemistry, Wesleyan University • conversation
June 23, 2022 • ~6 min

A celebrated AI has learned a new trick: How to do chemistry

The AI AlphaFold can figure out the three-dimensional protein structure any string of amino acids will become. It has now exceeded its training by figuring out what makes some proteins glow.

Marc Zimmer, Professor of Chemistry, Connecticut College • conversation
June 16, 2022 • ~9 min

Study finds natural sources of air pollution exceed air quality guidelines in many regions

MIT research highlights the opportunity to rethink global air quality guidelines.

Stephanie Martinovich | Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering • mit
June 7, 2022 • ~7 min

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