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MIT News Magazine

Building a better chemical factory out of microbes

September/October 2021

Kristala Jones Prather is using microbes to find greener alternatives to gasoline and plastics.

MIT Class notes

Read Class notes on the MIT Alumni Association website

Sasha Israel

Features

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Building a better chemical factory—out of microbes
Professor Kristala Jones Prather ’94 has made it practical to turn microbes into efficient producers of desired chemicals. She’s also working to reduce our dependence on petroleum.
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The pain switch
Professor Fan Wang’s research is zeroing in on brain circuits that control the perception of pain. Her work could one day make it possible to manage pain without opioids.
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Jump-starting MIT’s startup culture
For decades, MIT kept its distance from local high-tech
startups. In this excerpt from his new book, From the Basement to the Dome, Jean-Jacques Degroof chronicles how alumni and students took it upon themselves to kindle an interest in starting companies
Categorized in From the president
Facing a difficult history
Francis Amasa Walker, MIT’s third president, played a key role in advancing the American reservation system. The Institute is now grappling with his complicated legacy.
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Multifunction masks
Tiny sensors embedded in face coverings and other wearable items can diagnose covid-19 and detect other threats.
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The world in a mug
Stored in DNA, all the world’s data could fit in a coffee cup. The trick is finding the file you need.
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Nobles is MIT’s new chancellor
The political scientist and SHASS dean will now oversee student life.
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Power-grab particles
Particles made from crushed nanotubes can create a current by interacting with an organic solvent.
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No sweat
A perspiration-proof skin patch can monitor health over time.
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