Scientists make microscopes from droplets
With chemistry and light, researchers can tune the focus of tiny beads of liquid.
Conquering metal fatigue
Novel laminated nanostructure gives steel bone-like resistance to fracturing under repeated stress.
Toward “valleytronic” devices for data storage or computer logic systems
Researchers have discovered a new way to tune electronic energy levels in some 2-D materials.
Cutting down the clutter in online conversations
“Wikum” system from CSAIL researchers provides readers with detailed summaries of online discussions.
Iodine may protect batteries
MIT, Carnegie Mellon researchers explore “self-healing” batteries with new metal-halide solid electrolyte material.
A light rain can spread soil bacteria far and wide, study finds
Global precipitation may account for 1 to 25 percent of bacteria emitted from land.
Electrons go superballistic
Newly discovered phenomenon accelerates electrons as they enter a viscous state.
Study suggests complex life was present on Earth 2.33 billion years ago
New estimate predates earliest fossil evidence by 800 million years.
Underwater mountains help ocean water rise from abyss
Turbulence from seafloor topography may explain longstanding question about ocean circulation.
Artificial data give the same results as real data — without compromising privacy
New approach can help organizations scale their data science efforts with artificial data and crowdsourcing.
Microbiome diversity is influenced by chance encounters
Study finds a role for randomness in the composition of the gut’s microbe populations.
OLYMPUS experiment sheds light on structure of protons
Seven-year study indicates two photons, not one, are exchanged in electron-proton interactions.
3-D printing with cellulose
World’s most abundant polymer could rival petroleum-based plastics as source of printing feedstock.