In the autumn of 2023, I observed a peculiar trend in my students’ essays, which seemed to split into two categories. Some papers were exceptionally well-polished, especially in grammar, with students admitting during conferences that they extensively used AI tools to draft their work. Surprisingly, many of these students did not feel they were doing…
Traveling isn’t always easy for me, but I’ve developed some strategies to make the process smoother. I prefer trips that don’t involve flying, allowing me to pack everything I need in my suitcase and car. Recently, I drove to Claremont, California, for the (Re)Imagining Liberal Arts and STEM Education in the Age of Generative AI…
For the last 80 years, America’s significant and ongoing investment in scientific research has positioned the country as a global leader, with its scientific achievements crucial for national prosperity and security. On June 16, Scientific American published a special segment titled “The Young American Scientists,” celebrating early-career researchers. It includes insights from MIT faculty on…
Agentic workflows are AI-driven software setups that link various models and tools to perform intricate tasks, such as video analysis and question answering. However, their fragmented design often leads to inefficiencies, wasting computation, energy, and costs. To address this, MIT and Microsoft researchers created an intelligent system to simplify the design of these workflows and…
Could the design of your home impact your political engagement? A study by MIT researchers suggests it can, especially in Accra, Ghana. In this city, many residents live in “compound houses,” which feature shared spaces like kitchens and bathrooms while maintaining private bedrooms. The study reveals that those in compound houses are more active politically,…
Illustration by Liz Zonarich/Harvard Staff Harvard faculty and staff discuss the allure of novels featuring unreliable narrators, explaining the attraction to these complex characters. Sy Boles, a Harvard staff writer, highlights the long-standing presence of such narrators in storytelling. Ian Shank, an expository writing preceptor, notes that the relationship between reader, narrator, and author creates…
When an animal’s surroundings transform more rapidly than it can adjust, its survival odds can plummet. This holds true for populations and entire species. Researchers from MIT and the University of Leicester have discovered that this link between evolutionary adaptation and environmental change speed is applicable on a global scale, influencing the likelihood of mass…
In 2022, the construction industry was responsible for over 7% of global carbon emissions due to material production. However, it’s unclear how much of these materials were essential for constructing infrastructure like buildings and bridges. Topology optimization, a technique that can cut material use by up to 90%, could significantly reduce emissions. Despite this, it’s…
Transitioning to higher education can seem surprisingly unstructured. After spending 22 years in K–12 education, I had more freedom but less clarity on gauging progress. Some days ended with minimal writing and doubts about my achievements. Over time, I developed practical systems to enhance focus, build momentum, and achieve daily success. Three strategies were particularly…
An adjunct professor specializing in educational leadership, whose students are often working professionals, emphasizes the importance of attendance in classes. These students attend sessions after long workdays, and the professor acknowledges their effort. Rather than viewing missed classes as a lack of commitment, the professor sees it as a challenge shaped by various demands. Despite…
