Battery backup + convocation + oxygen on Mars

MIT Weekly September 3, 2022 Greetings! Here’s a roundup of the latest from the MIT community.  Want a daily dose of MIT in your inbox? [Subscribe to the MIT Daily](. Storing Renewable Energy # A new battery design made from abundant materials could provide low-cost backup storage for renewable energy sources. “I wanted to invent something that was better — much better — than lithium-ion batteries for small-scale stationary storage,” says Professor Don Sadoway. [Full story via MIT News →]( Top Headlines MIT’s MOXIE experiment reliably produces oxygen on Mars Day and night, and across seasons, the instrument generates breathable oxygen from the Red Planet’s thin atmosphere. [Full story via MIT News →]( [MIT Heat Island]( Microscopy technique reveals hidden nanostructures in cells and tissues Separating densely packed molecules before imaging allows them to become visible for the first time. [Full story via MIT News →]( [MIT Heat Island]( Advice for managers in a hybrid work environment MIT experts describe ways to reduce disadvantages in hybrid spaces and foster an organizational culture that amplifies everyone’s voice. [Full story via MIT Sloan→]( [MIT Heat Island]( MIT’s solar car team wins American Solar Challenge for the second year in a row The team credits strategy and team building for keeping the lead in a tight race. [Full story via MIT News →]( [MIT Heat Island]( New assay determines the percentage of Omicron, other variants in Covid wastewater Developed by the Singapore-MIT Alliance for Research and Technology, the assay can provide new details about the type of SARS-CoV-2 circulating in a community. [Full story via MIT News →]( [MIT Heat Island]( #ThisisMIT # [Follow @chorallariesofMIT]( on Instagram[→]( In the Media America’s top colleges: The Massachusetts Institute of Technology leads the pack for the first time // Forbes MIT has been named the No. 1 university in America in Forbes’ 2022 top colleges ranking. “Forbes’ top colleges ranking spotlights schools that offer an excellent education at a great price, graduate high-earners and propel students to become successful entrepreneurs and influential leaders in their fields. The Massachusetts Institute of Technology — ranked number one for the first time this year — accomplishes all of this and more.” [Full story via Forbes→]( MIT scientists say they have found a way to increase the energy output of wind farms // The Boston Globe MIT scientists have found that changing the angle of turbine blades on wind farms could help maximize energy output. “Our method resulted in significant energy gains over standard industry operations, and, importantly, it can be instituted with minimal cost,” explains Assistant Professor Michael Howland. [Full story via The Boston Globe →]( EdTech entrepreneur creating her own reality // Forbes Anurupa Ganguly ’07, MNG ’09 discusses Prisms of Reality, a virtual reality platform she founded that provides math learning through movement, experience, and discovery. “We envision a dramatic re-engagement of our students with their education,” says Ganguly. “Our students, many for the first time, will find a profound sense of purpose in their math learning and their lives.” [Full story via Forbes→]( In early research, an AI model detects signs of Parkinson’s using breathing patterns // STAT MIT researchers have developed an artificial intelligence tool that can analyze changes in nighttime breathing to detect and track the progression of Parkinson’s disease. “The AI was able to accurately flag Parkinson’s using one night of breathing data collected from a belt worn around the abdomen or from a passive monitoring system that tracks breathing using a low-power radio signal.” [Full story via STAT→]( Thanks, MIT Employees # Every fall, some 7,000 students arrive on campus, joining around 5,000 already here. In preparation, staff and faculty have made ready 6,210 dorm rooms, 30 residence halls, 13,828 offices, 5,488 labs, and 119 academic buildings. Thank you, MIT employees! [Watch the video→]( [“] We need more time in the clouds. —Professor Sara Seager, regarding a new private space mission she is leading to explore the clouds of Venus [Full story via MIT Technology Review→]( Fresh Faces of MIT # This year’s [first-years]( at MIT comprise 1,139 students, who have come from 50 states, 65 countries, and more than 900 high schools. “You are here because you belong here,” said President L. Rafael Reif at Monday’s Convocation ceremony. “All of us are dedicated to your success, and we believe in you.” [Full story via MIT News→]( This edition of the MIT Weekly was brought to you by [a battle of epic proportions](. 🛡️ Have feedback to share? Email mitdailyeditor@mit.edu. Thanks for reading, and have a great week! —MIT News Office [Forward This Email]( [Subscribe]( [MIT Logo] Massachusetts Institute of Technology This email was sent to {EMAIL} because of your affiliation with MIT, or because you signed up for our newsletters. [subscribe]( [update preferences]( [unsubscribe]( [view in browser]( [Twitter]( [Facebook]( [Youtube]( [Instagram]( MIT News Office · 77 Massachusetts Avenue · Cambridge, MA 02139 · USA