Energy

Teaching a microbe to make fuelGenetically modified organism could turn carbon dioxide or waste products into a gasoline-compatible transportation fuel.

Patterning defect-free nanocrystal films with nanometer resolutionNew process developed at MIT could enable better LED displays, solar cells and biosensors — and foster basic physics research.

Bringing power to the people — and heat as wellSun-powered system developed by MIT students could provide electricity, heat and cooling to rural schools and clinics.

Yildiz wins 2012 Charles W. Tobias Young Investigator Award

New chip captures power from multiple sourcesSystem developed at MIT could combine power harvested from light, heat and vibrations to run monitoring systems.

Researchers explain how dye-based nanotubes can help harvest light’s energyTiny cylinders help reveal how natural-light-harvesting antennae collect light with exceptional efficiency.

Matthew Orosz awarded Echoing Green Fellowship to further off-grid energy workNewly minted MIT PhD selected for two-year social entrepreneurship fellowship.

Daniel Casey: Exploring a ‘little star’ on Earth

Better surfaces could help dissipate heatHeat transfer in everything from computer chips to powerplants could be improved through new analysis of surface textures.

New technique allows simulation of noncrystalline materialsMultidisciplinary team develops mathematical approach that could help in simulating materials for solar cells and LEDs.

All-carbon solar cell harnesses infrared lightNew type of photovoltaic device harnesses heat radiation that most solar cells ignore.

Double the benefits: clean energy also saves waterNREL-MIT study shows an 80 percent renewable energy standard cuts water use in half.

Textured surface may boost power output of thin silicon solar cellsMIT team finds new approach to trapping light efficiently in thin-film silicon solar cells.

Fusion program moves beyond plasma, toward practical powerplant issues

MIT community takes the Earth Day ChallengeTake Action! Earn Points! Win Prizes!

Frank Stanton Chair in Nuclear Security Policy Studies established in Department of Political ScienceEndowed chair established with a gift of $5 million from the Stanton Foundation

Report: China’s actions are crucial on climate changeResearch shows China’s impact on climate change, as well as its potential to shape the path forward.

Mujid Kazimi, of nuclear science and engineering, wins Kuwait PrizeHonored for contributions to nuclear power technology

Civil engineers find savings where the rubber meets the roadStudy shows that pavement deflection under vehicle tires makes for a continuous uphill drive that increases fuel consumption.

No crystal ball for natural gasTraditionally, oil prices have been used to gauge the natural gas market; but new research shows that the future of what is currently a cheap fuel is really anyone's guess.

MIT awarded more than $2 million in NEUP grants, fellowshipsIncludes $1.65 million in Department of Energy Nuclear Energy University Programs grants and $450,000 in graduate student fellowships.

Nuclear science and engineering graduate students win NEUP fellowshipsBlack, Boyd and Shaner among 31 recipients

CloudTop takes top $100K competition prizeA record 215 teams competed in this year’s business plan competition.

A new look at prolonged radiation exposureMIT study suggests that at low dose-rate, radiation poses little risk to DNA.

Karnik, Parra win DOE Early Career Research Program awards