Science

Side by side of mouse embryos. The one on the left appears to be developing normally, but the one on the right has an extra pair of legs.
Genetics
How turning off one gene causes mice to grow 6 legs
A study of embryo development in mice led to the creation of a mutant mouse fetus with an extra pair of legs in place of genitals.
Kristin Houser
A man in a suit stands next to a robotic arm with computer-brain interfaces on a stage under blue lighting.
Big Tech
In a future with brain-computer interfaces like Elon Musk’s Neuralink, we may need to rethink freedom of thought
In a future with more “mind reading,” thanks to computer-brain interfaces, we may need to rethink freedom of thought.
Parker Crutchfield
Oceans
Artificial reef designed by MIT engineers could protect marine life, reduce storm damage
An MIT team is hoping to fortify coastlines with “architected” reefs engineered to mimic the wave-buffering effects of natural reefs.
Jennifer Chu | MIT News Office
An MPI EVA researcher in the lab (left) and two stone tools from the LRJ found at the site in Ranis, Germany (right)
Genetics
New DNA testing reveals who made ancient stone tools
Kristin Houser
a collage showing tomatoes growing on a vine and a model of DNA being edited
CRISPR
New CRISPR tomatoes need less watering
Kristin Houser
Two small bottles with liquid in them.
Engineering
A new way to swiftly eliminate micropollutants from water
Carolyn Blais | Abdul Latif Jameel World Water and Food Security Lab | MIT News
A still of Caitlin Stasey smiling from the horror movie, 'SMILE.'
Mental Health
Scientists scrutinize happiness research
Amber Dance
A man using a machine to control a surgical robot. Wires are connected to the back of his head.
Neuroscience
Brain stimulation could boost learning
Kristin Houser
An image of a spiral galaxy with a purple light coming out of it.
Physics
Google’s quantum computer suggests that wormholes are real
Don Lincoln
A blue and green image of a mouse brain.
Memory
Bioengineered protein could enhance memory
Sam Jarman
The puffs of white condensation on glass is water being evaporated from a hydrogel using green light, without heat.
Physics
Light may cause water to evaporate (even without heat)
Kevin Dickinson
A gray rat with a red eye.
Animals
Mice could someday become venomous, suggests study on the evolution of oral venom systems
Stephen Johnson
a close up of a human hand about 8 weeks into development
Biology
Stunning video reveals how our fingers form in the womb
Kristin Houser