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The iconic MIT home page Spotlight features a daily-changing image and design that focuses on advances in research, technology and education taking place at the Institute. Though some Spotlights do run multiple days - for example Friday's spot usually runs through the weekend, we work very hard to maintain the daily-changing tradition. We've combed our servers and have compiled a digital archive of the Institute home page through the years - well over 2000 images. Enjoy!
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Smarter artery careToday’s Spotlight features an illustration of angioplasty balloon by Christine Daniloff/MIT.

Over the past few decades, scientists have developed many devices that can reopen clogged arteries, including angioplasty balloons and metallic stents. While generally effective, each of these treatments has drawbacks, including the risk of side effects.

A new study from MIT analyzes the potential usefulness of a new treatment that combines the benefits of angioplasty balloons and drug-releasing stents, but may pose fewer risks.

Read full article.
The MIT home page Spotlight showcases the research, technology and education advances taking place at the Institute every day.

What makes it as a Spotlight image is an editorial decision by the MIT News Office based on factors that include timeliness, promotion of MIT's mission, the balance of interest to both internal and external audiences, and appropriateness.

We do welcome ideas and submissions for spotlights from community members, but please note we are not able to accommodate all requests. We are unable to run event previews or promotions as spotlights; for those looking to promote an event, we are happy to include your listing as an event headline on the homepage (when space is available) and you are free to submit an Of Note to the MIT News office. For more information, e-mail the spotlight team.

Request a Spotlight, Of Note or Event Headline, here.
Biofuel in the pipeline

Biofuel in the pipeline

Today’s Spotlight features a photograph taken by Len Rubenstein of Kristala Jones Prather, the Theodore T. Miller Career Development Associate Professor of Chemical Engineering at MIT.

What’s so great about ethanol? Chemical engineer Kristala Jones Prather thinks she can design a better biofuel — one that’s closer to the octane of gasoline and doesn’t absorb quite as much metal‑corroding water.
The U.S. Department of Energy reports that the U.S. spends nearly $1 billion a day on imported oil. Fuels derived from biomass hold a great deal of promise as renewable energy sources and may significantly diversify the menu of transportation fuel options available to consumers. Read more.