MIT in the media: 2020 in review
In a particularly newsworthy year, news and views from the MIT community made headlines.
Making smart thermostats more efficient
A smart thermostat quickly learns to optimize building microclimates for both energy consumption and user preference.
2020 MIT Water Summit brings international audiences together to discuss resilience
Hundreds of students, researchers, and industry experts from around the world gathered virtually in November for a cross-disciplinary exploration of water resilience.
With campus as a test bed, climate action starts and continues at MIT
MIT serves as a laboratory for a multifaceted approach to address the Institute’s own contributions to climate change.
On planetary change and human health
MIT anthropologist Amy Moran-Thomas reflects on the deep connection between planetary and human well-being.
MIT oceanographers have an explanation for the Arctic’s puzzling ocean turbulence
New study suggests waters will become more turbulent as Arctic loses summertime ice.
Case studies show climate variation linked to rise and fall of medieval nomadic empires
Recent virtual lecture explores how paleoclimatology provides important context for examining the activities of past human societies.
3 Questions: Hessam AzariJafari on mitigating climate change with reflective pavements
MIT postdoc explains how reflective pavements can significantly — and often indirectly — mitigate climate change and extreme heat.
Lincoln Laboratory establishes Biotechnology and Human Systems Division
Will focus on responding to disasters and humanitarian crises, defending against biothreats, addressing climate change, and improving human health and performance.
Cracking the secrets of an emerging branch of physics
In a new realm of materials, PhD student Thanh Nguyen uses neutrons to hunt for exotic properties that could power real-world applications.
Massive, swift federal investment needed to address climate change, panelists say
Policymakers are hopeful that a Biden administration will encourage congressional action.
Powering through the coming energy transition
Carbon capture and storage are key to achieving climate goals.
Study identifies reasons for soaring nuclear plant cost overruns in the U.S.
Analysis points to ways engineering strategies could be reimagined to minimize delays and other unanticipated expenses.
Environmental Solutions Initiative puts sustainability front and center at the MIT career fair
New online tool lets students track key metrics on employers’ carbon footprints and encourages more engagement on sustainability issues.
Saudi Arabia faces increased heat, humidity, precipitation extremes by mid-century
High-resolution climate projections could enable a robust adaptation and resilience response.