Mystery solved: Why seashells’ mineral forms differently in seawater
Century-old riddle about aragonite formation is unraveled by scientists’ atomistic simulation.
Department
Materials Science and Engineering
New analysis shows ion slowdown in fuel cell material
Dislocations in oxides seen as promising electrolytes create a “traffic jam” for charged ions.
Fibers made by transforming materials
New approach could enable low-cost silicon devices in fibers that could be made into fabrics.
Shruti Sharma wins Gates Cambridge Scholarship
Award allows MIT senior to pursue a PhD in materials and manufacturing engineering at the University of Cambridge.
How to prevent metal embrittlement
Analysis shows certain crystal boundaries can enhance, or reduce, hydrogen’s damaging effects.
New faculty in engineering
Twelve new faces join six academic departments in the School of Engineering.
New way to model sickle cell behavior
Microfluidic device allows researchers to predict behavior of patients’ blood cells.
New fibers can deliver many simultaneous stimuli
Implanted into the brain or spinal column, they can transmit drugs, light, and electrical signals.
Spin designers
Caroline Ross and Geoffrey Beach are studying how the “spin” of electrons on nanomagnets could be manipulated to create faster, more energy-efficient computers.
Potash: Historical pathways to development
Diversity of sources and sustainable production methods are needed to meet world potassium fertilizer demand.
A renaissance in metals
Materials Day Symposium highlights breakthroughs in simulation methods, manufacturing techniques, and improved alloys.
Alloying tougher tungsten
MIT graduate student Zack Cordero deforms and compacts chromium-tungsten powders to create stronger metals with nanoscale microstructure.
Building on strength
Xtalic focuses on gold substitute, aluminum products following success with connector coatings.