Maha Bali frequently captures thoughts I’ve been pondering for some time. In “AI is Not a Tool: It’s a Medium-Institution,” Maha challenges the metaphor of AI as merely a tool. She uses the example of a hammer, noting that, unlike AI, when driving a nail, the direction is predictable. Maha argues that AI does not…
Harvard University revealed on Friday that the Science Center located on Oxford Street will be renamed Zimmer Hall. This change honors a $100 million donation made by the Zimmer Family Foundation in 2018. Alan Zimmer, father of Stuart Zimmer ’91, was a pioneering American neuroradiologist in the development of CAT and MRI technology in the…
Typically, when envisioning a retail worker, one might think of someone assisting customers or handling transactions. However, a significant portion of their time is spent organizing stockrooms and shop floors, handling online orders, and managing inventory. Determining inventory locations often consumes time as retailers may not know where items are precisely. This is why a…
Multipurpose tools, like the Swiss Army knife, remain popular due to their compact size and versatility. Whether it’s fixing a snagged fingernail or a loose screw, one tool can solve numerous issues. In the classroom, educators face various challenges, such as silence when expecting student participation or a lack of community that complicates group activities….
For those teaching STEM subjects, a passion for the field is often evident. Educators aim to share the excitement of understanding the world through their discipline. However, this enthusiasm doesn’t always reach students. A common issue is seeing disengaged students despite the instructor’s efforts. Motivation is crucial for students to meet learning objectives (Taurina, 2015)….
An air pump from the year 1770 is among the historical items featured in a new exhibit at the Collection of Historical Scientific Instruments. Curated by Emma Mendoza Broder, Ph.D. ’25, the display highlights 18th-century technology that fueled early America and is supported by the Richard Lounsbery Foundation and Revolution250. Harvard College, established in 1636,…
Carbon capture plays a crucial role in mitigating climate change, yet it encounters technological challenges and can be both energy-intensive and costly. MIT researchers, with backing from the MIT Climate and Sustainability Consortium (MCSC), are investigating more energy-efficient and scalable alternatives to traditional carbon dioxide (CO2) capture techniques. The standard method, amine scrubbing, is energy-intensive…
The Institute for Artificial Intelligence and Fundamental Interactions (IAIFI), led by MIT, has secured renewed funding from the National Science Foundation (NSF) for another five years. The annual grant has increased from $4 million to $4.98 million. This renewal signifies a new chapter for IAIFI, which has spent its initial five years developing a research…
Twenty faculty research initiatives have received grants from Harvard University’s new Frontiers of Innovation for Societal Impact Fund, which allocated $4 million to projects addressing societal issues in fields such as medicine, climate, civics, and arts. The fund, managed by Harvard’s Office of the Vice Provost for Research, aims to promote projects with potential industry…
In today’s era of constant distractions, who would commit to watching a 439-minute film? Sarah Lamodi, a correspondent for Harvard, explored this question. Modern life is filled with interruptions, affecting how people engage with arts and culture. Reading habits are declining, songwriters are crafting shorter tunes, and film students are reportedly watching fewer movies. Despite…
