Technology and society

A difference makerVannevar Bush PhD ’16, a unique figure in American history, transformed his country’s scientific establishment during its wartime hour of need.

Sen. Scott Brown visits MITThe Massachusetts Republican says the kind of work done at MIT 'can get our economy going.'

The lonely crowdIn a new book, Sherry Turkle documents the sometimes-detrimental effects of technology on our families and social lives.

Five from MIT elected fellows of the American Physical Society

MIT strengthens its ties to Greater ChinaThe Institute has embarked on a major, long-term effort to promote intellectual and technological exchange.

Tech support?Contrasting views on display as MIT researchers debate how technology can curb global poverty.

3 Questions: Evelyn Fox Keller on the nature-nurture debatesIn a new book, prominent historian of science dismisses the ‘unanswerable’ question of whether heredity or the environment matter more in human development.

Dealing with the Data DelugeMIT Sloan Management Review study: Top-performing companies most likely to use analytics in order to make decisions

Holdren sees opportunities in energy challengesPresidential science adviser calls for increased energy R&D to create jobs and boost business; supports conclusions of MIT nuclear study.

3 Questions: Walt HenryFacilities engineer discusses how MIT is leading the way for universities to practice what they preach on energy efficiency.

Bringing innovation to the worldMIT’s Deshpande Center helps technologies bridge the gap between the lab and the marketplace. The Obama administration likes what it sees.

In the World: Drinking water, from sunshineMIT team designs solar-powered portable desalination system to use in disaster zones and remote regions.

Construction begins on high-performance computing centerPresident Hockfield joins Gov. Patrick and others at groundbreaking ceremony.

Frank talk on U.S. energy innovationMIT alumnus Steven E. Koonin, DoE under secretary for science, says economics, not technology, is the driver.

Hockfield says research universities must help cultivate science, math teachersAt a Brookings Institution event, the MIT president warns U.S. STEM-education gap to have ‘disastrous consequences’ on nation.

Disembodied performanceTod Machover’s Death and the Powers, which features robots as performers, premieres this month. Is this the future of opera?

Said and DoneHumanities, arts, and social sciences digest for August 2010

Financial impacts of ‘cap and trade’Analysis shows that, contrary to some claims, proposed legislation to limit carbon emissions would not disadvantage those with lower incomes.

Jodie Wu ’09 and Jamie Yang PhD ’08 selected as 2010 Echoing Green FellowsChosen from a pool of 1,000 applicants from 73 countries

Global water issues call on humanities and social science research

MIT’s Joseph Coughlin chosen as one of the '10 Most Creative People on Twitter'

Carl Kaysen commemoration to be held Saturday

Slideshow: Mapping the oil spillMIT student leads project using balloons and kites to provide aerial documentation of the Gulf oil slick’s extent and effects

NASA chief defends Obama’s space planIn MIT visit, Charles Bolden touts proposed expansion in R&D funding

Tom Pettitt on the Gutenberg ParenthesisPresented by the MIT Communications Forum — hosted by James Paradis with respondent Peter Donaldson

3 Questions: Stephen Connors on offshore wind farmsWhat the federal approval of the Cape Wind project will mean for Massachusetts and the nation

3 Questions: David Jones on heart problemsPhysician and historian of medicine explains why bypass surgery is popular even though it fails to help many patients.

Bill Gates visits MITCalls for a spirit of service