David Chandler

MIT researchers examine the mining of nickel, an essential element for some electric vehicle batteries, solar panels, and wind turbines. They discuss consequences for local environments, economies, and communities, and how to meet growing demand while improving environmental safety.

Novel magnetic nanodiscs could provide a much less invasive way of stimulating parts of the brain, paving the way for stimulation therapies without implants or genetic modification, MIT researchers report.

A new study of bubbles on electrode surfaces could help improve the efficiency of electrochemical processes that produce fuels, chemicals, and materials.

A filter developed at MIT might provide a nature-based solution to PFAS water contamination. Made from natural silk and cellulose, the material can remove many of these “forever chemicals” as well as heavy metals, and its antimicrobial properties can help keep the filters from fouling.

A new model accurately represents the airflow around rotors, even under extreme conditions. Developed by MIT engineers, the model could improve the way turbine blades and wind farms are designed.

A new material for flexible electronics could enable multilayered, recyclable electronic devices and help limit e-waste. The material was developed at MIT, the University of Utah, and Meta.

MIT researchers identified materials that may do a good job of conducting protons — as opposed to electrons — without the need for ultrahigh temperatures. These materials could enable clean-energy tech, such as more efficient and durable fuel cells to produce clean electricity from hydrogen.

A nationwide bottle deposit program could increase recycling of PET plastic to 82 percent, with nearly two-thirds of all PET bottles being recycled into new bottles, at a net cost of just a penny a bottle when demand is robust, MIT researchers report. At the same time, policies would be needed to ensure a sufficient demand for the recycled material.

Engineers at MIT and ATI discovered an approach for creating new titanium alloys with exceptional combinations of strength and ductility, which might lead to new applications in aerospace and other industries.

MIT scientists discovered that when metal is struck by an object moving at a super high velocity, the heat makes the metal stronger. The finding could lead to new approaches to designing materials for extreme environments, such as shields that protect spacecraft or equipment for high-speed manufacturing.