Technology and society

The Civil War’s iron ageMIT historian David Mindell revisits the human experience on board one of history’s most famous warships.

MIT's Communication Forum conducts a conversation for scholars — and citizensHas explored media and change for more than 30 years

Q&A with Rosalind Williams on history in the age of human empireNew book examines the critical juncture when human endeavors began to dominate the planet.

How to kick-start new energy technologiesThree-year study produces proposals for boosting energy innovation to meet growing demand, curb global warming.

Searching for balloons in a social networkThe key to mobilizing large numbers of people is incentives, study finds.

When ‘consumer-innovators’ outspend firms on R&D

What it takes to make every vote countMIT hosts Voting Technology Project conference to reinvigorate public discussion on election integrity.

Science school for judgesMIT and the Broad Institute open their doors to the judicial community for a workshop at the intersection of science and the law.

Cracking the codeMIT sociologist’s book takes an insider look at investment banking and the high-risk trades that can spin out of control.

In the World: Design summit’s inventions find willing buyersDevices to improve lives in developing countries are so appealing that even the initial prototypes attract buyers.

In Profile: Kenneth OyeA political scientist aims to help governments assess the potential risks of new technologies.

Hippie daysHow a handful of countercultural scientists changed the course of physics in the 1970s and helped open up the frontier of quantum information.

Facing the futureWael Ghonim, the Google executive and lauded online activist behind Egypt’s democracy movement, urges ‘action’ during a time of uncertainty.

On an Irish Island, technology takes its timeRobert Kanigel explores how modernity has influenced our pace of life.

Which technologies get better faster?New analysis helps predict which new systems will be on a fast track to improvements in performance.

Charles L. Miller Symposium honors Professor Daniel RoosLooks at the rich past, exciting future of engineering systems

Universities can lead in development, USAID head says during MIT visitDiscusses how new ideas are needed for battling disease, extending education and improving lives in poor nations.

A difference makerVannevar Bush PhD ’16, a unique figure in American history, transformed his country’s scientific establishment during its wartime hour of need.

Sen. Scott Brown visits MITThe Massachusetts Republican says the kind of work done at MIT 'can get our economy going.'

The lonely crowdIn a new book, Sherry Turkle documents the sometimes-detrimental effects of technology on our families and social lives.

Five from MIT elected fellows of the American Physical Society

MIT strengthens its ties to Greater ChinaThe Institute has embarked on a major, long-term effort to promote intellectual and technological exchange.

Tech support?Contrasting views on display as MIT researchers debate how technology can curb global poverty.

3 Questions: Evelyn Fox Keller on the nature-nurture debatesIn a new book, prominent historian of science dismisses the ‘unanswerable’ question of whether heredity or the environment matter more in human development.

Dealing with the Data DelugeMIT Sloan Management Review study: Top-performing companies most likely to use analytics in order to make decisions

Holdren sees opportunities in energy challengesPresidential science adviser calls for increased energy R&D to create jobs and boost business; supports conclusions of MIT nuclear study.