Universal nanosensor unlocks the secrets to plant growth

Researchers from SMART DiSTAP developed the world’s first near-infrared fluorescent nanosensor capable of monitoring a plant’s primary growth hormone in real-time and without harming the plant.

Singapore-MIT Alliance for Research and Technology • mit
June 9, 2025 ~6 min

Whistleblowing tech based on Cambridge research launched by the Guardian

Whistleblowers can contact journalists more securely thanks to a new confidential and anonymous messaging technology co-developed by University of Cambridge

Cambridge University News • cambridge
June 9, 2025 ~7 min


Can a robot help you age better?

Can a robot help you remember your pills, lift shopping, and even offer companionship? Yes – if it’s co-designed by its users.

Daniele Magistro, Associate Professor in Physical Activity and Health, Department of Sport Science, Nottingham Trent University • conversation
June 6, 2025 ~6 min

Golden Dome dangers: An arms control expert explains how Trump’s missile defense threatens to make the US less safe

Missile defense systems are nothing new. History shows that even if they work as advertised – a big if – they’re a bad idea if your aim is to make your country safer from nuclear attack.

Matthew Bunn, Professor of the Practice of Energy, National Security, and Foreign Policy, Harvard Kennedy School • conversation
June 6, 2025 ~10 min

Animation technique simulates the motion of squishy objects

The approach could help animators to create realistic 3D characters or engineers to design elastic products.

Adam Zewe | MIT News • mit
June 6, 2025 ~6 min

How illicit markets fueled by data breaches sell your personal information to criminals

Every piece of personal data about you has inherent value. As long as there are customers clamoring for that data, breaches are likely to continue.

Thomas Holt, Professor of Criminal Justice, Michigan State University • conversation
June 5, 2025 ~9 min

New system enables robots to solve manipulation problems in seconds

Researchers developed an algorithm that lets a robot “think ahead” and consider thousands of potential motion plans simultaneously.

Adam Zewe | MIT News • mit
June 5, 2025 ~8 min

What is vibe coding? A computer scientist explains what it means to have AI write computer code − and what risks that can entail

Vibe coding is a buzzy phrase that describes using AI language tools to write software. You enter a natural language phrase for what you want – to a point – and get back code.

Chetan Jaiswal, Associate Professor of Computer Science, Quinnipiac University • conversation
June 4, 2025 ~5 min


AI stirs up the recipe for concrete in MIT study

With demand for cement alternatives rising, an MIT team uses machine learning to hunt for new ingredients across the scientific literature.

Andrew Paul Laurent | MIT Concrete Sustainability Hub • mit
June 2, 2025 ~5 min

Teaching AI models the broad strokes to sketch more like humans do

SketchAgent, a drawing system developed by MIT CSAIL researchers, sketches up concepts stroke-by-stroke, teaching language models to visually express concepts on their own and collaborate with humans.

Alex Shipps | MIT CSAIL • mit
June 2, 2025 ~7 min

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