massachusetts institute of technology today's spotlight about
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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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Where art meets scienceToday’s Spotlight features photographs, taken by Melanie Gonick/MIT, of items made in the MIT Glass Lab.

The MIT Glass Lab is located in the basement of the infinite corridor, in room 4‑003. Extracurricular classes are offered to the MIT community throughout the school year. The lab also hosts several sales during the year, as well as a lectureship and residency. The lab is also involved with special projects. Please explore our site for more information.

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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.
Like water off a duck’s back

Like water off a duck’s back

Today’s Spotlight uses a video clip showing a comparison of water shedding on the improved surface (right) to water slowing running off a conventional surface (left). Video by VaranasiGroup.

Condensers are a crucial part of today’s power generation systems: About 80 percent of all the world’s powerplants use them to turn steam back to water after it comes out of the turbines that turn generators. They are also a key element in desalination plants, a fast‑growing contributor to the world’s supply of fresh water.

Now, a new surface architecture designed by researchers at MIT holds the promise of significantly boosting the performance of such condensers. Read more.