Gravitational waves from a binary black hole merger observed by LIGO and Virgo

Finding represents first joint detection of gravitational waves with both detectors.

Babies can learn that hard work pays off

Study finds infants try harder after seeing adults struggle to achieve a goal.

Automatic code reuse

System makes modifications necessary to transplant code from one program into another.

Magic, a microcosm of modern culture

Anthropologist Graham Jones has turned a fascination with magic into a career.

Projects make inroads on global food and water challenges

MIT researchers supported by J-WAFS present results of their work on food and water security.

“Personal thermostat” startup heats up for commercialization

MIT spinout prepares to launch line of wristbands that keep wearers thermally comfortable.

The LIGO and Virgo observatories have made their first joint detection of gravitational waves, report Ben Guarino and Sarah Kaplan for The Washington Post. MIT’s David Shoemaker, spokesperson for the LIGO Scientific Collaboration, compared the three-detector network for identifying gravitational waves to a camera tripod that can allow scientists to zoom in on the source of the waves.

MIT researchers have developed a new test that can identify dengue and the Zika virus quickly and cheaply, reports Sophie Hares for Reuters. “Knowing whether these tests are positive or negative is very important for designing the course of clinical care,” explains Prof. Lee Gehrke. “It simplifies the decision tree and, we believe, leads to improved patient care.”

CSAIL researchers have developed a new shape-shifting robot that can change outfits in order to perform different tasks, reports Timothy Revell for New Scientist. “In the future, we imagine robots like this could become mini surgeons, squished into a pill that you swallow,” explains Prof. Daniela Rus.

MIT researchers have potentially discovered a way to prevent the flu virus from evolving to resist vaccines and treatment, reports Alyssa Meyers for The Boston Globe. The researchers are also, “testing HIV and other rapidly mutating viruses to see if inhibiting chaperones could prevent those viruses from mutating and becoming treatment-resistant.”

Building 31 powers back up

Members of AeroAstro and MechE are returning to a dramatically renovated building, with robots, drones, and even a Corvette in tow.

A better world, starting close to home

MIT faculty and alumni have helped to shape Cambridge, Boston, and the surrounding region.

Ernest Moniz addresses threats of nuclear weapons and climate

In MIT’s Compton Lecture, former U.S. energy secretary speaks on global security risks.