Harvard celebrated its 375th Commencement last Thursday in Tercentenary Theatre, with joyful scenes across the Yard. Thousands of graduates, their families, friends, dignitaries, and volunteers gathered for the event, which was captured in highlights by photographers. Alumni volunteers from the Commencement “Happy Committee” emerged from Harvard Hall to prepare for the celebration. The Middlesex County…
Sarah Isgur, in her book “Last Branch Standing: A Potentially Surprising, Occasionally Witty Journey Inside Today’s Supreme Court,” discusses how the increasing distrust of Supreme Court justices reflects more on societal tribalism than on any fundamental change within the judiciary itself. Back in January 2000, 69 percent of Americans were satisfied with the country’s direction….
New research indicates that increased interaction between different groups leads to more marriages across class lines but not racial lines in the U.S., where residential segregation is prevalent. This issue is seen as a factor in income inequality and social mobility. A study by the National Bureau of Economic Research looked at how exposure to…
Finding a balance between economic development and conserving the environment is challenging. Wetlands, which are crucial for flood control and supporting ecosystems, are a prime example. A recent study suggests that replacing traditional conservation requirements with tradeable offsets could be a solution. In this system, developers can impact wetlands by buying credits that represent equivalent…
Engineers at MIT have created a pacemaker that uses ultrasound to stimulate the heart without surgery. This innovation may eventually serve as a non-surgical alternative to traditional cardiac implants. The small device is a sticker worn on the chest, featuring tiny transducers that emit ultrasound pulses to activate the heart. The ultrasound waves open specific…
MIT engineers are experimenting with a novel propulsion system that merges the speed and power of traditional chemical thrusters with the accuracy and fuel efficiency of electrical thrusters. This system could lead to the creation of more agile small satellites capable of executing both rapid maneuvers and meticulous adjustments according to mission needs. Central to…
