How can electrons split into fractions of themselves?
Physicists surprised to discover electrons in pentalayer graphene can exhibit fractional charge. New study suggests how this could work.
Despite its impressive output, generative AI doesn’t have a coherent understanding of the world
Researchers show that even the best-performing large language models don’t form a true model of the world and its rules, and can thus fail unexpectedly on similar tasks.
MIT to lead expansion of regional innovation network
National Science Foundation grant expected to help New England researchers translate discoveries to commercial technology.
Quantum simulator could help uncover materials for high-performance electronics
By emulating a magnetic field on a superconducting quantum computer, researchers can probe complex properties of materials.
Physicists discover first “black hole triple”
System observed 8,000 light-years away may be the first direct evidence of “gentle” black hole formation.
A new method makes high-resolution imaging more accessible
Labs that can’t afford expensive super-resolution microscopes could use a new expansion technique to image nanoscale structures inside cells.
Study finds mercury pollution from human activities is declining
Models show that an unexpected reduction in human-driven emissions led to a 10 percent decline in atmospheric mercury concentrations.
Solar-powered desalination system requires no extra batteries
Because it doesn’t need expensive energy storage for times without sunshine, the technology could provide communities with drinking water at low costs.
Translating MIT research into real-world results
MIT’s innovation and entrepreneurship system helps launch water, food, and ag startups with social and economic benefits.
Enhancing LLM collaboration for smarter, more efficient solutions
“Co-LLM” algorithm helps a general-purpose AI model collaborate with an expert large language model by combining the best parts of both answers, leading to more factual responses.
Atoms on the edge
Physicists capture images of ultracold atoms flowing freely, without friction, in an exotic “edge state.”
New filtration material could remove long-lasting chemicals from water
Membranes based on natural silk and cellulose can remove many contaminants, including “forever chemicals” and heavy metals.
Toward a code-breaking quantum computer
Building on a landmark algorithm, researchers propose a way to make a smaller and more noise-tolerant quantum factoring circuit for cryptography.
MIT engineers design tiny batteries for powering cell-sized robots
These zinc-air batteries, smaller than a grain of sand, could help miniscule robots sense and respond to their environment.
Helping robots practice skills independently to adapt to unfamiliar environments
A new algorithm helps robots practice skills like sweeping and placing objects, potentially helping them improve at important tasks in houses, hospitals, and factories.