Technology and society

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.

3 Questions: Walt HenryFacilities engineer discusses how MIT is leading the way for universities to practice what they preach on energy efficiency.

Bringing innovation to the worldMIT’s Deshpande Center helps technologies bridge the gap between the lab and the marketplace. The Obama administration likes what it sees.

In the World: Drinking water, from sunshineMIT team designs solar-powered portable desalination system to use in disaster zones and remote regions.

Construction begins on high-performance computing centerPresident Hockfield joins Gov. Patrick and others at groundbreaking ceremony.

Frank talk on U.S. energy innovationMIT alumnus Steven E. Koonin, DoE under secretary for science, says economics, not technology, is the driver.

Hockfield says research universities must help cultivate science, math teachersAt a Brookings Institution event, the MIT president warns U.S. STEM-education gap to have ‘disastrous consequences’ on nation.

Disembodied performanceTod Machover’s Death and the Powers, which features robots as performers, premieres this month. Is this the future of opera?

Said and DoneHumanities, arts, and social sciences digest for August 2010

Financial impacts of ‘cap and trade’Analysis shows that, contrary to some claims, proposed legislation to limit carbon emissions would not disadvantage those with lower incomes.