MIT News Newsletter

	Massachusetts Institute of Technology
February 3, 2017
MIT News: top stories
A weekly digest of the Institute’s research and innovation

Transparent, gel-based robots can catch and release live fish

Made from hydrogel, robots may one day assist in surgical operations, evade underwater detection.

Wearable AI system can detect a conversation's tone

Coupled with audio and vital-sign data, deep-learning system could someday serve as a “social coach” for people with anxiety or Asperger’s.

Optimizing code

Modifying the “middle end” of a popular compiler yields more-efficient parallel programs.

A fair price to pay?

Study shows online retail prices often match store prices — and suggests why they sometimes do not.

Zeroing in on the chemistry of the air

Jesse Kroll examines how pollutants change chemically as they waft around the globe.

Research assistants at energy’s cutting edge

MIT graduate students in energy fields gain skills and advance knowledge while helping to move toward a low-carbon future.

In the Media

Prof. Tyler Jacks, director of the Koch Institute, speaks with Meghna Chakrabarti of WBUR’s Radio Boston about cancer research in Boston. Jacks says the large number of researchers in the area “gives us a distinctive advantage,” as it provides researchers the opportunity to interact and collaborate with various institutions.

AP reporter Mark Pratt writes that MIT researchers have developed a platform to map the tree canopy in cities around the world, in an effort to identify locations where more trees are needed. "We as humans have a natural willingness and desire to be in green spaces," explains Prof. Carlo Ratti.

In this FOX 25 segment, Prof. John Leonard explains why he created an online lesson that demonstrates the science behind the Deflategate controversy. He notes that the lesson is aimed at giving “students the tools so they can be the scientists,” adding that he also hopes to “get more young people excited about math and science.”