Installation of Alchemist — a major sculptural work by Spanish contemporary artist Jaume Plensa that is on loan to MIT for one year in celebration of the Institute’s 150th anniversary — has been completed and the artwork now sits in the grassy area between Massachusetts Avenue and the Stratton Student Center.
The sculpture consists of mathematical symbols in the shape of a human form. It was commissioned specifically for the sesquicentennial celebration; an alumnus has underwritten the work.
MIT researchers have produced carbon fibers coated in carbon nanotubes without degrading the underlying fiber's strength. The engineered fibers may be woven into composites to make stronger, lighter airplane parts.Image: Stephen Steiner
Planes, trains and automobiles: faster, stronger, lighter
New technique advances carbon-fiber composites.
