As part of the Commencement 2026 series celebrating Harvard’s 375th Commencement, Ph.D. candidate Isaac Witte reflects on the “incremental advances” that led to the CRISPR breakthrough. His journey began with a fascination for DNA replication during high school in Overland Park, Kansas, captivated by the complex orchestration of proteins essential for life. Witte’s interest was…
The rapid expansion of prediction markets, where individuals can wager on events ranging from the 2028 U.S. elections to Taylor Swift’s wedding date, is raising concerns about insider trading and market manipulation. Recently, a U.S. Army soldier was accused of using classified information to bet on a military operation involving Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, reportedly…
Researchers from the Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard have utilized an advanced single-molecule imaging technique to reveal how certain proteins related to cancer interact within living cells. This method uses stable nanoparticle probes that illuminate single molecules for extended periods. For the first time, the team observed individual receptors on the cell membrane as…
The Haystack 37m Telescope, a significant tool in radio astronomy and solar system radar studies since 1964, has played a crucial role in various scientific achievements, including aiding NASA’s Apollo missions, mapping Venus, testing Einstein’s theories, and pioneering VLBI developments. Recently, after extensive upgrades, it has resumed its role in cutting-edge astronomical research at MIT…
In the wake of a powerful earthquake, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) could navigate through collapsed structures to map the area, providing crucial data for rescuers to reach survivors swiftly. However, this poses a significant challenge for autonomous robots, which must quickly alter their paths to avoid unexpected obstacles while maintaining their route. Researchers from MIT…
Sarah L. Kaufman, a Pulitzer-winning dance critic, shares insights on enhancing writing in her new book, “Verb Your Enthusiasm: How to Master the Art of the Verb and Transform Your Writing,” published by Penguin Press. The book highlights how writers can set their work apart from AI-generated content by using fresh verbs to surprise readers…
David Battat ’91, a Harvard alumnus known for his dedication to community service, will assume the role of Harvard Alumni Association (HAA) president on July 1. His career spans roles as a healthcare CEO, leadership educator, first responder, and long-term Harvard volunteer. Outgoing HAA President Will Makris, Ed.M. ’00, praised Battat’s inclusive leadership style and…
The brain’s ability to use and comprehend language grows significantly during early childhood as infants begin interpreting the words they hear and constructing their own sentences. Language-processing areas in the brain continue to develop in older children, allowing them to expand their vocabulary and use language more adaptively. MIT researchers have captured images of the…
Admitting “I don’t know” may seem like a weakness, but it’s actually a wise decision. In education, there’s an implicit belief that teachers should always have the answers. Standing before a class of over 30 students, a teacher might feel pressure to provide immediate insights. However, even with extensive education and experience, sometimes “I don’t…
Educational institutions nationwide are swiftly integrating artificial intelligence into their systems. Research on 65 R1 institutions shows that 63% are promoting the use of generative AI, with many offering comprehensive guidelines for incorporating it into classrooms (McDonald et al., 2025). The expectation is that AI will enhance student thinking, tailor learning experiences, and better equip…
