MRSEC News Highlights
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From Folds and Cuts to Linkages 'Collapsible scissored surfaces' complete trilogy of metamaterial design principles
June 23, 2026
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A Heat Sensor for Living Cells Pico-calorimeter could offer new views of cell metabolism, rapid antibiotic testing
June 15, 2026
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Materializing Safe, On-Demand, Living Therapeutics Implantable Living Materials composed of highly engineered hydrogels, synthetically engineered bacteria
May 14, 2026
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Toward Artificial Muscles That Bend and Twist on Demand Rotational multimaterial 3D printing enables nature-inspired, shape-morphing filaments
April 29, 2026
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Tougher, Longer-Lasting, More Sustainable Tires Harvard engineers devise new process for reinforcing natural rubber
April 27, 2026
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The Physics of a Squeak High-speed imaging shows how rubber sneaker squeaks arise from supersonic detachment pulses
February 25, 2026
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3D printing soft robots Rotational multimaterial printing offers intricate, programmable shapes
February 6, 2026
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Harvard MRSEC Researchers named 2025 Highly Cited Researchers Highly Cited Researchers in several categories, including Cross-Field
December 1, 2025
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Congratulations to Jennifer Lewis Recipient of the 2025 Gold Key Award from Sigma Xi
November 25, 2025
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The need for speed New textile can adjust its aerodynamic properties
October 27, 2025
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UV formation with self-healing silicon elastomers for 3D printing Novel responsive BBE polymer can be shaped and twisted into a permanent geometric form using UV illumination
October 18, 2025
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Programming Robots with Rubber Bands New approach uses robot's physical structure for function
October 14, 2025
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Upcycling proteins just got easier New, sustainable way to break down keratins, turn leftover wool and feathers into useful products
September 3, 2025
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Science and Cooking returns with lectures both sweet and savory The popular lecture series will feature talks on the science of sugar, fermentation and flower dumplings
September 2, 2025
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With research, communication is critical 2025 REU students share their summer experiences
August 26, 2025
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A New Window into Earth's Upper Atmosphere Small devices can loft into mesosphere for climate sensing
August 13, 2025
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Designing Better Brain Shunts Fluid dynamics model could help hydrocephalus patients
July 21, 2025
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Slithering Snakes: The Science Behind the Motion of a Young Anaconda Research offers insight into how snakes move, potentially leading to robotics applications
June 30, 2025
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Modeling electric response of materials, a million atoms at a time Machine-learning framework predicts effects of electric fields
June 6, 2025
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Congratulations to Dr. Zizhao (Will) Wang on Successfully Defending His PhD Dissertation! Was previously a Graduate Student supported by the MRSEC
May 29, 2025
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Rubber that resists cracking Improved process makes material 10 times stronger
May 22, 2025
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Congratulations Jennifer Lewis! Prof. Lewis awarded the 2025 James Prize in Science and Technology Integration by the National Academy of Sciences
April 25, 2025
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How do bird nests stay together? Researchers unravel entanglement between stiff, straight rods
April 7, 2025
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Encoding many properties in one material via 3D printing Nozzle shape, print parameters tune liquid crystal elastomer morphing
February 3, 2025
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Shape-changing soft material for soft robotics, smart textiles, and more Researchers encode multiple shapes into simple material
December 17, 2024
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Four Harvard MRSEC postdocs selected for 2024 Rising Star Symposium Researchers recognized for accomplishments and demonstrated contributions
December 11, 2024
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Spicing Up Science How Teachers are using Food to Transform their Classrooms
November 1, 2024
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Why do materials get stronger when they are deformed? Research team sheds light on universal mechanisms of work hardening
September 6, 2024
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What is the science behind the perfect pizza? Check our calendar for Science and Cooking lecture series events to find out more. The popular lecture series will feature talks on the science of chocolate, sauce, and sugar
September 5, 2024
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Congratulations to Boris Kozinsky Recipient of the Capers and Marion McDonald Award for Excellence in Mentoring and Advising
May 9, 2024
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Building a stronger nation with soft materials NTU's collaboration with Harvard in materials research and science education allows New Mexico students to pursue research that addresses real-world needs
April, 2024
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David Weitz receives the 2024 Bower Award Bower Award and Prize for his Achievements in Science
April 18, 2024
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Entrepreneurship Meet and Greet MRSEC Leadership Council Local Leaders
April 11, 2024
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Intelligent liquid Researchers develop metafluid with programmable response
April 3, 2024
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Kate Strangfeld presents MRSEC Science and Cooking Teacher workshops at the National Science Teachers Association (NSTA) annual conference in Denver, Colorado
March 24, 2024
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Sweet, sweet Pi science MRSEC hosts Pi Day program for local middle schoolers
March 14, 2024
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The life and death of cracks Research explores how fractures nucleate, propagate, and stop
January 29, 2024
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A long-lasting neural probe Researchers develop implantable device that can record a collection of individual neurons over months
January 26, 2024
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Making chemistry taste great MRSEC Science & Cooking Workshops help students embrace high school chemistry
January 8, 2024
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Rubber that doesn't grow cracks when stretched many times Multi-scale approach improves the fatigue threshold of particle-reinforced rubber
December 14, 2023
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Bridging Science and Tradition From running a Covid testing center to mentoring students analyzing the healing properties of traditional medicines, Dr. Irene A. Anyangwe, professor of biology and microbiology at NTU, is finding ways to address the most pressing needs
December, 2023
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Harvard MRSEC Researchers named 2023 Highly Cited Researchers and Citation Laureate Highly Cited Researchers in the field of Cross-Field, and Citation Laureate in the field of Physics
November 15, 2023
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MRSEC graduate student and military veteran applies science and engineering in New Mexico Graduate student and military veteran Robinson Tom goes from NTU to REU summer researcher to MRSEC Ph.D. student
November 10, 2023
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Reverse engineering Jackson Pollock Researchers combine physics and machine learning to use Pollock's drip paint technique for quick and accurate 3D printing
October 30, 2023
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Kozinsky and team among finalists for Gordon Bell Prize Researchers recognized for equivariant neural network models that can quickly and accurately simulate millions of atoms
October 5, 2023
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Science and Cooking returns with tasty offerings The popular lecture series will feature talks on the science of fermentation, sugar and mixology
September 7, 2023
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Photo gallery: REU 2023 poster presentations Students from the SEAS Research Experience for Undergraduates summer program recently displayed their research at a poster presentation at the Science Center in Cambridge
August 17, 2023
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Going outside their engineering comfort zones SEAS summer program gives students engineering research experiences
August 10, 2023
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Fiber-infused ink enables 3D-printed heart muscle to beat The ink helps heart muscle cells align so that they can contract in coordination
July 27, 2023
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E-nose sniffs out harmful molecules AI-enabled portable sensor can be used to manage hazardous waste, monitor air quality, identify spoiled food, and diagnose diseases
July 24, 2023
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Biomaterial-delivered one-two punch boosts cancer immunotherapy Integrated biomaterials approach that enhances adoptively transferred T cell therapy with cancer vaccine technology provides strong and long-lasting effects against solid tumors
July 13, 2023
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Jennifer Lewis receives 2023 Doctor Honoris Causa Award from EPFL Jennifer and her team contributed significant digital assembly advances in creating vascularized human tissues.
July 12, 2023
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3D knitted robots Additively manufacturing soft robots could reduce waste, increase performance
May 15, 2023
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Prof. L. Mahadevan elected to American Academy of Arts & Sciences He is among 269 new members this year, including 17 Harvard faculty.
April 28, 2023
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An unprecedented look at biological energy on the sub-cellular level By detecting nanoscopic heat changes inside cells, first-of-their-kind sensors reveal how living systems use energy
March 31, 2023
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Clearing a path for non-invasive muscle therapy for the elderly Controlling inflammation enables injured aged muscle recovery via non-invasive mechanical loading, offering promise for the future of mechanotherapies for elderly patients.
March 22, 2023
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A slice of science Local eighth-graders experience SEC on Pi Day
March 21, 2023
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Four Harvard MRSEC research teams win Grid Accelerator funding Five research teams who won will work to de-risk promising ideas, with the aim of launching a startup
February 22, 2023
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Multimaterial 3D printing with a twist Rotational multimaterial printing of helical filaments for soft robotics and structural composites
January 18, 2023
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A soft, stimulating scaffold supports brain cell development ex vivo Hydrogel-based scaffolds could be used for better brain-computer interfaces
January 9, 2023
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Changing the intrinsic behavior of neurons Method offers new approach to treating neurological conditions such as epilepsy
December 7, 2022
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Wasting muscles built back better Programmable mechanically active adhesive makes muscles stretch and contract, preventing and enabling recovery from atrophy
November 14, 2022
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Seeing concentrations of toxins with the naked eye New test detects compounds for disease diagnostics, environmental monitoring
November 2, 2022
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Simple machine may pave the way for more powerful cell phones and WiFi A 3D-printed device in a tank of water braids nanowires and moves microparticles.
October 26, 2022
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Tentacle robot can gently grasp fragile objects Jellyfish-like soft gripper mimics the mechanics of curly hair
October 20, 2022
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Researching Navajo Materials Science NTU students present research at the REU SEAS summer symposium
August 11, 2022
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Complex motions for simple actuators Inflatable actuators use origami principles to deform in intricate ways
July 13, 2022
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A major step forward for organ biofabrication By recreating the helical structure of heart muscles, researchers improve understanding of how the heart beats
July 7, 2022
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Congratulations to Conor Walsh Recipient of the 2022 Blavatnik National Award Laureate for Young Scientists in Physical Sciences & Engineering
June 29, 2022
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Congratulations to Jia Liu Recipient of the MIT Technology Review 2022 Innovators Under 35
June 29, 2022
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Food-packaging system reduces health risks and saves food Inspired by battlefield medicine, this antimicrobial food wrap could reduce food waste and foodborne illness
June 27, 2022
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Keeping cool without warming the planet A revolutionary new mechanism could unlock environmentally friendly air conditioning.
June 24, 2022
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Congratulations to George Whitesides Recipient of the 2022 Kavli Prize in Nanoscience
June 1, 2022
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Congratulations to Vinny Manoharan Recipient of the Capers and Marion McDonald Award for Excellence in Mentoring and Advising
May 9, 2022
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U.S. National Science Foundation Director Highlights MRSEC-NTU Partnership At the National Science Board 479th Meeting
May 5, 2022
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Self-propelled, endlessly programmable artificial cilia Simple microstructures that bend, twist and perform stroke-like motions could be used for soft robotics, medical devices and more
May 4, 2022
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The physics of a singing saw Insights on centuries-old folk instrument is underpinned by a mathematical principle that may pave the way for high-quality resonators for sensing, electronics and more
April 21, 2022
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Congratulations to Robinson Tom Has been accepted to the Harvard Ph.D. program beginning Fall 2022.
April 15, 2022
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Unexplored dimensions of porous metamaterials Researchers unlock hidden potential in a long-studied group of materials
March 17, 2022
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First-ever NSF-MRSEC Science Slam
Sarah Battat: Shake, Charge, and Nucleate! Harvard MRSEC participant Sarah Battat presented in a first ever MRSEC Science Slam with her project entitled "Shake, Charge, and Nucleate!"
January 28, 2022
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A soft, stretchable thermometer Self-powered sensor can be integrated into soft robots, smart clothing
January 20, 2022
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Machine learning for morphable materials New platform can program the transformation of 2D stretchable surfaces into specific 3D shapes
January 12, 2022
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Harvard MRSEC researchers named most highly cited in 2021 The Web of Science has recognized Harvard MRSEC researchers who have demonstrated significant and broad influence reflected in their publication of multiple highly cited papers.
November 18, 2021
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Elastic polymer that is both stiff and tough, resolves long-standing quandary More sustainable, long-lasting polymer materials could decrease consumption of plastics
October 7, 2021
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Massage doesn't just make muscles feel better, it makes them heal faster and stronger Study confirms link between mechanotherapy and immunotherapy in muscle regeneration in mice
October 6, 2021
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Crystal clear - Research reveals fundamental mechanism of colloid crystal growth, opens door to new applications
August 19, 2021
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Pop-up coffee table—no assembly required Kiriform structures harness buckling for stable, deployable structures
June 28, 2021
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Reversible, programmable mechanical metamaterials Research could be used for mechanical computing, encryption and more
June 9, 2021
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Sensor can probe biology's smallest reactions Breakthrough in calorimetry could reveal fundamental principles of cells
February 18, 2021
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Welcome Robinson Tom to the Harvard MRSEC from Navajo Tech PREM
January 26, 2021
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Harvard MRSEC researchers named most highly cited in 2020 The Web of Science has recognized Harvard MRSEC researchers who have demonstrated significant and broad influence reflected in their publication of multiple highly cited papers.
November 18, 2020
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Rocket Yeast—Gallery of Fluid Motion Understanding fluid flow on every day bacteria
October 12, 2020
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Marine sponges inspire the next generation of skyscrapers and bridges Bioinspired architecture could pave the way for stronger, lighter structures
September 21, 2020
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Clothing that stretches or shrinks to fit you Harvard MRSEC researchers discover textiles that change shape "on demand" The Harvard Gazette - Science & Technology
September 4, 2020
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Buckling kirigami structures applied to footwear outsoles Borrowing from Nature to design shoes that prevent slips and falls for patient protection
August 21, 2020
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Getting the scoop on ice cream The science of chocolate brings families to campus
December 11, 2019
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New Method for 3D Printing Soft Multimaterials "On Demand" published to Springer Nature
November 13, 2019
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A gentle grip on gelatinous creatures New ultra-soft underwater gripper safely catches and releases jellyfish without damage
August 28, 2019
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Soft robots for all The first soft ring oscillator gets plushy robots to roll, undulate, sort, meter liquids, and swallow
July 8, 2019
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Congratulations to Joanna Aizenberg election to National Academy of Sciences
May 1, 2019
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Congratulations to Zhigang Suo election to National Academy of Sciences
May 1, 2019
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Artificial muscles for soft robots Fully soft, electrically driven artificial muscles operate on par with natural muscles
March 22, 2019
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Jennifer Lewis elected to National Academy of Sciences Congratulations to Jennifer Lewis elected as a Member of the National Academy of Sciences
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Congratulations to Dr. Ryan Truby for being awarded in the First Class of Schmidt Science Fellows
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Printing with Sound Researchers use acoustic forces to print droplets that couldn't be printed before
August 31, 2018
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3D Printing is Fun Watch as the Harvard MRSEC logo is 3D printed in two-color wax and silicon
April, 2018
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Inspired to innovate With booming enrollment, entrepreneurship course teaches more than business skills, which has grown to become one of the most popular courses at Harvard.
January 23, 2018
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Learning is sweet The science of chocolate brings families to campus
December 21, 2017
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Scientific salsa Outreach program provides ingredients for STEM inspiration
July 27, 2017
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Showcasing opportunities in STEM Hands-on science labs inspire Native American high school students
July 11, 2017
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David Mooney elected Fellow of the National Academy of Inventors Mooney is recognized as a distinguished American inventor whose technologies benefit society
December 13, 2016
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Prof. Mahadevan awarded Rice Medal Congratulations to Prof. Mahadevan for being awarded the first 2017 Society of Engineering Science—James R. Rice Medal
December 8, 2016
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Inspiring the next generation of scientists Middle school girls learn about robotics and 3D printing at SEAS
August 3, 2016
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David Weitz elected fellow to National Academy of Engineering Applied physicist honored for his contributions to engineering
February 8, 2016
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4D-printed structure changes shape when placed in water Wyss, SEAS researchers create shape-shifting architectures that mimic plant movements
January 25, 2016
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Jennifer Lewis elected fellow of National Academy of Inventors Jennifer Lewis recognized as an inventor whose technologies are poised to benefit society
December 15, 2015
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Baking the grade Four student teams go head-to-head in first-ever "Top Chef Harvard" competition
December 14, 2015
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Filling a void in stem cell therapy A new porous hydrogel could boost the success of stem-cell-based tissue regeneration
September 14, 2015
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Jennifer Lewis named 2014 Global Thinker by Foreign Policy magazine Recognizing her groundbreaking advancements in bioprinting, Foreign Policy honors Lewis for the potential impact her research could have on global health and technology
November 17, 2014
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Step UP program looks to inspire Boston schoolchildren Harvard is a founding member of Step UP and has been offering after-school program support, learning materials, and professional development at 10 selected schools.
May 13, 2010
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L. Mahadevan wins MacArthur "genius" grant Applied mathematician recognized for investigating everything from how a flag flutters to how the Venus flytrap snaps. The MacArthur Foundation announcement.
September 23, 2009
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'Genius' Mathematician Seeks New Problems Named a MacArthur Foundation fellow, he creates mathematical theories to explain common observations
March 15, 2008
