Research Stories

Implantable microphone could lead to fully internal cochlear implants

This tiny, biocompatible sensor may overcome one of the biggest hurdles that prevent the devices from being completely implanted.

A prosthesis driven by the nervous system helps people with amputation walk naturally

A new surgical procedure gives people more neural feedback from their residual limb. With it, seven patients walked more naturally and navigated obstacles.

Researchers leverage shadows to model 3D scenes, including objects blocked from view

This technique could lead to safer autonomous vehicles, more efficient AR/VR headsets, or faster warehouse robots.

Microscope system sharpens scientists’ view of neural circuit connections

A newly described technology improves the clarity and speed of using two-photon microscopy to image synapses in the living brain.

Technologies enable 3D imaging of whole human brain hemispheres at subcellular resolution

Three innovations by an MIT-based team enable high-resolution, high-throughput imaging of human brain tissue at a full range of scales, and mapping connectivity of neurons at single-cell resolution.

A new way to spot life-threatening infections in cancer patients

Leuko, founded by a research team at MIT, is giving doctors a noninvasive way to monitor cancer patients’ health during chemotherapy — no blood tests needed.

With programmable pixels, novel sensor improves imaging of neural activity

New camera chip design allows for optimizing each pixel’s timing to maximize signal-to-noise ratio when tracking real-time visual indicator of neural voltage.

Robotic palm mimics human touch

MIT CSAIL researchers enhance robotic precision with sophisticated tactile sensors in the palm and agile fingers, setting the stage for improvements in human-robot interaction and prosthetic technology.

Researchers develop a detector for continuously monitoring toxic gases

The material could be made as a thin coating to analyze air quality in industrial or home settings over time.

Scientists develop an affordable sensor for lead contamination

The chip-scale device could provide sensitive detection of lead levels in drinking water, whose toxicity affects 240 million people worldwide.