Materials science

Need a new material? New tool can helpExhaustive reference system and interactive toolkit could revolutionize materials research, potentially enabling new types of manufacturing.

Research update: Sharpening the linesNew advance could lead to even smaller features in the constant quest for more compact, faster microchips.

A glow of recognitionNew detectors developed at MIT could provide easy visual identification of toxins or pathogens.

Researchers link patterns seen in spider silk, melodiesAnalogy could help engineers develop materials that make use of repeating patterns.

Electronics takes on a new spinResearchers at MIT find a way to observe and control the way electrons spin on the surface of exotic new materials.

A novel way to concentrate sun’s heatMIT researchers find a way to generate power without the usual mirror arrays.

Chu: New materials could be transformativeCiting historical examples, U.S. secretary of energy argues that the nation can still regain its manufacturing leadership.

The new NSE strategyStrengthens core, opens boundaries; seeks better integration of technical and societal issues.

Important step toward computing with lightResearch at MIT produces long-sought component to allow complete optical circuits on silicon chips.

Materials research in the Information AgeMIT, Lawrence Berkeley launch new tool to calculate properties of new materials

Exploring the inner workings of materialsFrom concrete to cancer cells, Van Vliet brings an engineer’s mindset to the study of biology and materials.

Highly efficient oxygen catalyst foundNew catalyst, made of inexpensive and abundant materials, could prove useful in rechargeable batteries and hydrogen-fuel production.

DOW-MIT Access Program shows reality and rewards of graduate schoolWeekend of activities introduces undergrads to opportunities in chemical engineering, chemistry and materials science.

Bristly particles could be boon for powerplantsMulti-scale material may have applications in heat transfer, potentially helping powerplants be more efficient.

Everybody’s a winnerAutomatic window-shading invention tops a strong field of entries in materials competition.

Ju Li: Atomic insights for new materials development

Schuh appointed head of the Department of Materials Science and EngineeringReplaces interim department head Carl Thompson.

Kord Smith brings 30 years of simulation insight to NSE

Printing off the paperMIT research continues to push the boundaries of the burgeoning technology of 3-D printing.

‘I speak MISTI’MIT program sends students abroad for experiences tailor-made for their academic and professional interests.

Improved buildings could make a big dent in climate changeNew MIT report on concrete buildings shows many areas for major reductions in their lifetime carbon footprint.

Paving the way to greenhouse gas reductionsNew MIT report on concrete roadways shows opportunities for significant carbon-footprint cuts.

A new approach to scratch resistanceAnalysis by MIT researchers could lead to improved coatings using polymer-based nanocomposite materials.

Forecasting pipe fracturesMIT simulation accurately reconstructs pipe fractures formed in the 2010 Deepwater Horizon accident.

A systematic way to find battery materialsNew understanding of high-performing cathode compound could facilitate rapid evaluation of improved alternatives.

Disease-causing tangle could spawn new materialsAmyloids, associated with Alzheimer’s and other diseases, could be inspiration for tough synthetic polymers.

Revealing water’s secretsExperiments support controversial theory about how water behaves in confined spaces, providing insights for biology and manufacturing.

Research update: Improving batteries’ energy storageNew method allows a dramatic boost in capacity for a given weight.