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An illustration by Liz Zonarich from Harvard’s Science & Tech section explores the question of whether an AI bot resembles a Pomeranian or a wolf, and who is legally responsible when it causes damage. According to legal expert Jordi Weinstock, the established canine law framework can help manage AI accountability. Weinstock, a lecturer at Harvard…

Researchers from MIT have uncovered a method that could lead to the creation of digital displays that are both brighter and more energy-efficient. These could be used in devices like flat-screen TVs, virtual and augmented reality headsets, smartphone screens, medical imaging technology, and large-area ambient lighting. The team, in partnership with Samsung scientists, examined the…

Faculty are not opposed to technology; they are inundated by its rapid introduction. Instructors today face numerous digital changes, including new learning platforms, AI policies, assessment tools, cloud systems, security protocols, and various communication channels. From my perspective in campus IT, these changes are constant. I’ve learned that each new tool demands time and energy…

Historically, higher education has led social change not just in the U.S., but worldwide. As American universities face challenges in maintaining their relevance in society and education, a key question is how to foster innovation among instructors and students. Recognizing part-time faculty with instructional grants could be a solution to promote excellence and prevent burnout….

Many view the waterfront as a city boundary, but MIT researchers envision it as a site for dynamic construction. Their “FloatForm” system consists of small, square robotic boats that autonomously assemble into larger structures on water, disassemble, and reconfigure with minimal human input. Each robot, measuring 21 centimeters square, operates independently with thrusters, sensors, and…

Scientists at MIT Lincoln Laboratory have developed a throwable sensor, about the size of a baseball, that can detect hazardous vapors and aerosols from a distance. This device, named the Tactical Optical Spherical Sensor for Interrogating Threats (TOSSIT), is intended to warn military personnel, first responders, and police about chemical dangers such as nerve and…

Birds such as loons, gulls, puffins, and petrels are among 100 species capable of both flying and swimming. These diving birds can submerge to chase prey and then take off into the air. Inspired by these creatures, engineers from MIT and EPFL in Lausanne, Switzerland, have developed a robot that can mimic this behavior, moving…

Rubies, often imagined as sparkling treasures in tales like “The Wizard of Oz” and pirate lore, serve a deeper purpose beyond mere decoration. They provide scientists with insights into the natural world. The Earth and Planetary Sciences Gallery at Harvard’s Museum of Natural History is showcasing a variety of rubies from polished to raw states….

Photos captured by Paul Firth during his canoe journey on the Yukon River. Paul Firth, an associate professor at Harvard Medical School, embarked on a 460-mile solo canoe trip through the Yukon wilderness, encountering a bear along the way that left a lasting impression. Firth, who had time off when plans fell through, chose this…

Large events, such as an 18-inning World Series game or an election night, often cause sleep loss for many people. Harvard researchers have noted that while the effects of sleep deprivation on individuals are well-documented, the impact on communities remains less understood. A new paper from Harvard sleep experts suggests that “public sleep,” or the…