Chemistry and chemical engineering

The half-billion-dollar ideaWhile at MIT, alumnus Todd Zion developed an insulin product that ultimately drew the attention of a pharmaceutical giant.

A new understanding of metallic glassSimulations reveal that the formation of some glassy materials is like the setting of a bowl of gelatin.

MicroRNA detection on the cheapMIT alumni’s startup provides rapid, cost-effective microRNA profiling, which is beneficial for diagnosing diseases.

OCW provides challenges for talented young studentIndian teen Tuhin Bagi uses MIT OpenCourseWare to enhance his studies and set his sights on future endeavors.

Using biology to improve chemical synthesisMIT team finds a more economical way to create valuable building blocks for pharmaceuticals

New solar-cell design based on dots and wiresMIT researchers improve efficiency of quantum-dot photovoltaic system by adding a forest of nanowires.

Study offers new way to discover HIV vaccine targetsRagon Institute researchers develop a method to identify weak points in viral proteins that could be exploited for vaccine development.

New rankings acclaim MIT’s graduate programs in engineering, businessMIT leads in seven engineering disciplines and three business fields, says U.S. News & World Report.

Practicing medicine at the nanoscaleNew approaches to drug delivery offer hope for new, more targeted treatments.

Cutting through the fogNew surface coating for glass could eliminate image distortion caused by condensation and also prevent frost buildup.

MIT researchers develop solar-to-fuel roadmap for crystalline siliconNew analysis points the way to optimizing efficiency of an integrated system for harvesting sunlight to make storable fuel.

Research update: Chemists find help from nature in fighting cancerStudy of several dozen compounds based on a fungal chemical shows potent anti-tumor activity.

Engineering cells for more efficient biofuel productionYeast research takes a step toward production of alternatives to gasoline.

A cooler way to protect silicon surfacesNew room-temperature process could lead to less expensive solar cells and other electronic devices.

Bringing a new perspective to infectious diseaseEnlisted in the fight against HIV, MIT engineers and scientists contribute new technology, materials and computational studies.

MIT engineers elected to national academyThree engineers are among this year’s 69 new National Academy of Engineering members.

Chisholm, Langer receive nation’s highest honors for scientists and inventorsPresident Obama presented the two MIT professors with the National Medal of Science and National Medal of Technology and Innovation on Friday.

MIT researchers improve quantum-dot performanceNew production method could enable everything from more efficient computer displays to enhanced biomedical testing.

Mapping the living cellNew technique pinpoints protein locations, helping scientists figure out their functions.

Putting the squeeze on cellsBy deforming cells, researchers can deliver RNA, proteins and nanoparticles for many applications.

Finding his voiceFirst-generation college student Eric Trac makes the most of MIT — whether through medical research or community service.

Undergrads take the lead in 10.27Class offers students a unique opportunity to contribute to the field of energy.

New material harvests energy from water vaporPolymer film could be used in artificial muscle and to power micro- and nanoelectronic devices.

How to stop leaks — the way blood doesHarnessing the principle that allows blood to clot, MIT researchers are working on new synthetic materials to plug holes.

Two MIT professors win prestigious Wolf PrizeMichael Artin and Robert Langer honored for groundbreaking work in mathematics and chemistry.

Recent Course X grad named one of Forbes magazine's '30 Under 30'Pedro Valencia PhD '12 honored for drug research.

Chisholm, Langer awarded nation’s highest honors for scientists and inventorsTwo MIT professors are awarded the National Medal of Science and the National Medal of Technology and Innovation.

MIT researchers discover a new kind of magnetismExperiments demonstrate ‘quantum spin liquid,’ which could have applications in new computer memory storage.

Inspiration from a porcupine’s quillsUnderstanding the mechanisms behind quill penetration and extraction could help engineers design better medical devices.