How 'living architecture' could help the world avoid a soul-deadening digital future

The late Christopher Alexander’s groundbreaking work on patterns has informed the development of technology for decades, but it’s the architect’s later work that holds the key to a healthier digital life.

Tim Gorichanaz, Assistant Teaching Professor of Information Studies, Drexel University • conversation
Aug. 9, 2022 ~14 min

Many drugs have mirror image chemical structures – while one may be helpful, the other may be harmful

From thalidomide to resveratrol, molecules with the exact same chemical properties can have drastically different effects in the body depending on how they’re arranged in space.

Sajish Mathew, Assistant Professor of Drug Discovery and Biomedical Sciences, University of South Carolina • conversation
Aug. 3, 2022 ~7 min


Many medications affect more than one target in the body – some drug designers are embracing the 'side effects' that had been seen as a drawback

Many approved drugs work on the body in ways that researchers still aren’t entirely clear about. Seeing this as an opportunity instead of a flaw may lead to better treatments for complex conditions.

Gregory Way, Assistant Professor of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus • conversation
July 11, 2022 ~9 min

If we want to build truly sustainable cities, we need to think about how women use energy and space

My research shows how urban design can make it harder for women in some countries to make sustainable choices.

Rihab Khalid, Research Fellow in Sustainable Energy Consumption, University of Cambridge • conversation
July 8, 2022 ~8 min

Making data visualization more accessible for blind and low-vision individuals

Researchers have created prototypes that enable screen-reader users to quickly and easily navigate through multiple levels of information in an online chart.

Adam Zewe | MIT News Office • mit
June 2, 2022 ~10 min

The Wall of Wind can blow away buildings at Category 5 hurricane strength to help engineers design safer homes – but even that isn't powerful enough

The test facility in Miami helps building designers prevent future storm damage. With the warming climate intensifying hurricanes, engineers are planning a new one with 200 mph winds and storm surge.

Ioannis Zisis, Associate Professor of Civil Engineering, Florida International University • conversation
May 31, 2022 ~9 min

A helping hand for robotic manipulator design

With modular components and an easy-to-use 3D interface, this interactive design pipeline enables anyone to create their own customized robotic hand.

Adam Zewe | MIT News Office • mit
May 25, 2022 ~8 min

Nonprogrammers are building more of the world's software – a computer scientist explains 'no-code'

Developing software used to require programming skills. Today, a growing number of people are building websites, games and even AI programs without writing a line of code.

Tam Nguyen, Assistant Professor of Computer Science, University of Dayton • conversation
May 18, 2022 ~6 min


Nanoparticles are the future of medicine – researchers are experimenting with new ways to design tiny particle treatments for cancer

The COVID-19 mRNA vaccines put nanomedicine in the spotlight as a potential way to treat diseases like cancer and HIV. While the field isn’t there yet, better design could help fulfill its promise.

Duxin Sun, Professor of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Michigan • conversation
May 4, 2022 ~9 min

Transport apps are being hailed as a sustainable alternative to driving: but they're not female-friendly

Research shows apps designed to make journeys more environmentally friendly aren’t considering women’s transport needs.

Maurizio Catulli, Senior Lecturer in Sustainable Innovation, University of Hertfordshire • conversation
April 28, 2022 ~7 min

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