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Putting the squeeze on cellsBy deforming cells, researchers can deliver RNA, proteins and nanoparticles for many applications.

Microbiologists eavesdrop on the hidden lives of microbesScientists track ocean microbe populations in their natural habitat to create a ‘day in the life’ montage.

Rare earth oxides make water-repellent surfaces that lastCeramic forms of hydrophobic materials could be far more durable than existing coatings or surface treatments.

Hard times in ChicagoMIT anthropologist’s new book recounts the painful aftermath when steel plants suddenly closed in the American heartland.

Research update: Multiple steps toward the ‘quantum singularity’Over three days in December, four research groups announced progress on a quantum-computing proposal made two years ago by MIT researchers.

Finding his voiceFirst-generation college student Eric Trac makes the most of MIT — whether through medical research or community service.

The right’s resistance to regulationBook details how conservatives have changed the terms of the environmental debate in recent decades.

Possible role for Huntington’s gene discoveredMutant forms of the gene disrupt chemical modifications that control access to genes necessary for normal brain cell function.

Study finds a new culprit for epileptic seizuresDiscovery that some seizures arise in glial cells could offer new targets for epilepsy treatment.

Students take control of satellites on the International Space Station200 high-school students participate in MIT’s annual Zero Robotics competition.

The high value of waterStudy: People willing to pay more for running water report much higher levels of happiness when they have it.

How to treat heat like lightNew approach using nanoparticle alloys allows heat to be focused or reflected just like electromagnetic waves.

New material harvests energy from water vaporPolymer film could be used in artificial muscle and to power micro- and nanoelectronic devices.

Chips that can steer lightRecord-setting ‘optical phased arrays’ could lead to better laser rangefinders, smaller medical-imaging devices and even holographic TVs.

Guaranteed delivery — in ad hoc networksA new algorithm for message dissemination in decentralized networks is faster than its predecessors but, unlike them, guarantees delivery.

How to stop leaks — the way blood doesHarnessing the principle that allows blood to clot, MIT researchers are working on new synthetic materials to plug holes.

Tiny tools help advance medical discoveriesMIT researchers are designing tools to analyze cells at the microscale.

The hidden history of Bengali HarlemMIT professor’s new book details the overlooked waves of South Asian immigrants to the United States.

Research update: Jumping droplets help heat transferScalable nanopatterned surfaces designed by MIT researchers could make for more efficient power generation and desalination.

Editing the genome with high precisionNew method allows scientists to insert multiple genes in specific locations, delete defective genes.