Chemists have devised a way to identify neutralizing antibodies against SARS-CoV-2, or potentially other viruses, in a blood sample. “This type of assay could be used to check whether patients are really protected by vaccines,” Laura Kiessling says.
In an entirely unscientific survey, the MIT Alumni Association asked alumni what word, phrase, or acronym would reveal that they went to MIT. While the responses varied, one thing is for certain: The MIT community has a language all its own.
Via @mitsigmakappa on Instagram: “To mark the start of Spring, many sigmas participated in Holi, the Hindu Festival of Colors, Love, and Spring. We thank the MIT South Asian Association of Students and Mayor Siddiqui’s Office for organizing such a colorful event.”
A new computer vision system turns a shiny object into a camera of sorts, enabling an observer to see around corners or beyond obstructions. “We have shown that any surface can be converted into a sensor with this formulation,” Kushagra Tiwary says.
In the “Curiosity Unbounded” podcast, President Sally Kornbluth speaks with newly tenured faculty. The latest episode features political scientist Mai Hassan, whose work investigates the bureaucratic state and democratization efforts in East Africa.
Via @mitpics on Instagram: “Hello, MIT!”
A new technique lets researchers map the 3D organization of the genome with 100 times higher resolution — and at much lower cost — than other methods. The work “opens a world of possibilities, not just for us but also for dozens of labs,” Viraat Goel says.