MIT News Newsletter

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

Faster big-data analysis

System for performing “tensor algebra” offers 100-fold speedups over previous software packages.

Researchers engineer CRISPR to edit single RNA letters in human cells

“REPAIR” system edits RNA, rather than DNA; has potential to treat diseases without permanently affecting the genome.

How cities can fight climate change most effectively

Energy-efficient construction is key to lowering urban emissions, study finds.

Promise seen in possible treatment for autism spectrum disorder

Studies in mice show improved social interaction and cognition from a potential therapeutic for a syndrome that often results in autism.

3-D-printed device builds better nanofibers

Printed nozzle system could make uniform, versatile fibers at much lower cost.

In the Media

WGBH’s Craig LeMoult reports on the future of work conference held at MIT this week, which examined how automation may impact the labor market. Prof. Erik Brynjolfsson explained that, “we're using technologies to augment not just our muscles but our brains, allowing us to control the world and make them figure things out more effectively.”

Associated Press reporter Matt O’Brien details how Media Lab researchers have developed a new system, dubbed Shelley, that can generate scary stories. O’Brien explains that, “Shelley's artificial neural network is generating its own stories, posting opening lines on Twitter, then taking turns with humans in collaborative storytelling.”

WHDH speaks with MIT staff member Maia Weinstock, who designed the original concept for the Women of NASA LEGO set. Weinstock explained that she is, “really excited to see teachers and parents and kids tell me their stories of how they are going to use the set.”