Artificial muscle flexes in multiple directions, offering a path to soft, wiggly robots
MIT engineers developed a way to grow artificial tissues that look and act like their natural counterparts.
A protein from tiny tardigrades may help cancer patients tolerate radiation therapy
When scientists stimulated cells to produce a protein that helps “water bears” survive extreme environments, the tissue showed much less DNA damage after radiation treatment.
Engineers turn the body’s goo into new glue
They combined a blend of slimy and sticky proteins to produce a fast-acting, bacteria-blocking, waterproof adhesive for use in biomedical applications.
This fast and agile robotic insect could someday aid in mechanical pollination
With a new design, the bug-sized bot was able to fly 100 times longer than prior versions.
Need a research hypothesis? Ask AI.
MIT engineers developed AI frameworks to identify evidence-driven hypotheses that could advance biologically inspired materials.
To design better water filters, MIT engineers look to manta rays
New research shows the filter-feeders strike a natural balance between permeability and selectivity that could inform design of water treatment systems.
A bioinspired capsule can pump drugs directly into the walls of the GI tract
The needle-free device could be used to deliver insulin, antibodies, RNA, or other large molecules.
What happens during the first moments of butterfly scale formation
New findings could help engineers design materials for light and heat management.
Robotic palm mimics human touch
MIT CSAIL researchers enhance robotic precision with sophisticated tactile sensors in the palm and agile fingers, setting the stage for improvements in human-robot interaction and prosthetic technology.
Baran Mensah: Savoring college life in a new country
From robotics to dance, the MIT senior has made it his mission to explore as many new experiences as possible at the Institute.
Unlocking the secrets of natural materials
Professor Benedetto Marelli develops silk-based technologies with uses “from lab to fork,” including helping crops grow and preserving perishable foods.
Finger-shaped sensor enables more dexterous robots
MIT engineers develop a long, curved touch sensor that could enable a robot to grasp and manipulate objects in multiple ways.
New sensor mimics cell membrane functions
The device detects the same molecules that cell receptors do, and may enable routine early screening for cancers and other diseases.
How to untangle a worm ball: Mathematicians solve a knotty mystery
California blackworms tangle themselves up by the thousands, then separate in a split second. Their trick may inspire the design of self-detangling materials and fibers.
AI system can generate novel proteins that meet structural design targets
These tunable proteins could be used to create new materials with specific mechanical properties, like toughness or flexibility.