#School of Engineering

[xtruss]

Window-Sized Device Taps The Air For Safe Drinking Water

Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) Engineers Developed An Atmospheric Water Harvester That Produces Fresh Water Anywhere — Even Death Valley, California.

— Jennifer Chu | MIT News | Date: June 11, 2025

A close-up of a new origami-inspired hydrogel material, designed by MIT Engineers, that swells to absorb water from the air. When water condenses out of the material to be collected, the individual hydrogel spheres shrink back down to capture more moisture. Credit: Courtesy of the Researchers

Today, 2.2 billion people in the world lack access to safe drinking water. In the United States, more than 46 million people experience water insecurity, living with either no running water or water that is unsafe to drink. The increasing need for drinking water is stretching traditional resources such as rivers, lakes, and reservoirs.

To improve access to safe and affordable drinking water, MIT engineers are tapping into an unconventional source: the air. The Earth’s atmosphere contains millions of billions of gallons of water in the form of vapor. If this vapor can be efficiently captured and condensed, it could supply clean drinking water in places where traditional water resources are inaccessible.

With that goal in mind, the MIT team has developed and tested a new atmospheric water harvester and shown that it efficiently captures water vapor and produces safe drinking water across a range of relative humidities, including dry desert air.

The new device is a black, window-sized vertical panel, made from a water-absorbent hydrogel material, enclosed in a glass chamber coated with a cooling layer. The hydrogel resembles black bubble wrap, with small dome-shaped structures that swell when the hydrogel soaks up water vapor. When the captured vapor evaporates, the domes shrink back down in an origami-like transformation. The evaporated vapor then condenses on the the glass, where it can flow down and out through a tube, as clean and drinkable water.

MIT Engineers test a passive water harvester in Death Valley, California. The window-sized setup is made from an origami-inspired hydrogel material (black) that absorbs water from the air, and releases it into tubes where researchers can collect the moisture as pure drinking water. Credit: Courtesy of the Researchers; MIT News

The system runs entirely on its own, without a power source, unlike other designs that require batteries, solar panels, or electricity from the grid. The team ran the device for over a week in Death Valley, California �� the driest region in North America. Even in very low-humidity conditions, the device squeezed drinking water from the air at rates of up to 160 milliliters (about two-thirds of a cup) per day.

The team estimates that multiple vertical panels, set up in a small array, could passively supply a household with drinking water, even in arid desert environments. What’s more, the system’s water production should increase with humidity, supplying drinking water in temperate and tropical climates.

“We have built a meter-scale device that we hope to deploy in resource-limited regions, where even a solar cell is not very accessible,” says Xuanhe Zhao, the Uncas and Helen Whitaker Professor of Mechanical Engineering and Civil and Environmental Engineering at MIT. “It’s a test of feasibility in scaling up this water harvesting technology. Now people can build it even larger, or make it into parallel panels, to supply drinking water to people and achieve real impact.”

Zhao and his colleagues present the details of the new water harvesting design in a paper appearing today in the journal Nature Water. The study’s lead author is former MIT postdoc “Will” Chang Liu, who is currently an assistant professor at the National University of Singapore (NUS). MIT co-authors include Xiao-Yun Yan, Shucong Li, and Bolei Deng, along with collaborators from multiple other institutions.

Carrying Capacity

Hydrogels are soft, porous materials that are made mainly from water and a microscopic network of interconnecting polymer fibers. Zhao’s group at MIT has primarily explored the use of hydrogels in biomedical applications, including adhesive coatings for medical implants, soft and flexible electrodes, and noninvasive imaging stickers.

“Through our work with soft materials, one property we know very well is the way hydrogel is very good at absorbing water from air,” Zhao says.

Researchers are exploring a number of ways to harvest water vapor for drinking water. Among the most efficient so far are devices made from metal-organic frameworks, or MOFs — ultra-porous materials that have also been shown to capture water from dry desert air. But the MOFs do not swell or stretch when absorbing water, and are limited in vapor-carrying capacity.

Water From Air

The group’s new hydrogel-based water harvester addresses another key problem in similar designs. Other groups have designed water harvesters out of micro- or nano-porous hydrogels. But the water produced from these designs can be salty, requiring additional filtering. Salt is a naturally absorbent material, and researchers embed salts — typically, lithium chloride — in hydrogel to increase the material’s water absorption. The drawback, however, is that this salt can leak out with the water when it is eventually collected.

The team’s new design significantly limits salt leakage. Within the hydrogel itself, they included an extra ingredient: glycerol, a liquid compound that naturally stabilizes salt, keeping it within the gel rather than letting it crystallize and leak out with the water. The hydrogel itself has a microstructure that lacks nanoscale pores, which further prevents salt from escaping the material. The salt levels in the water they collected were below the standard threshold for safe drinking water, and significantly below the levels produced by many other hydrogel-based designs.

In addition to tuning the hydrogel’s composition, the researchers made improvements to its form. Rather than keeping the gel as a flat sheet, they molded it into a pattern of small domes resembling bubble wrap, that act to increase the gel’s surface area, along with the amount of water vapor it can absorb.

The researchers fabricated a half-square-meter of hydrogel and encased the material in a window-like glass chamber. They coated the exterior of the chamber with a special polymer film, which helps to cool the glass and stimulates any water vapor in the hydrogel to evaporate and condense onto the glass. They installed a simple tubing system to collect the water as it flows down the glass.

In November 2023, the team traveled to Death Valley, California, and set up the device as a vertical panel. Over seven days, they took measurements as the hydrogel absorbed water vapor during the night (the time of day when water vapor in the desert is highest). In the daytime, with help from the sun, the harvested water evaporated out from the hydrogel and condensed onto the glass.

Over this period, the device worked across a range of humidities, from 21 to 88 percent, and produced between 57 and 161.5 milliliters of drinking water per day. Even in the driest conditions, the device harvested more water than other passive and some actively powered designs.

“This is just a proof-of-concept design, and there are a lot of things we can optimize,” Liu says. “For instance, we could have a multipanel design. And we’re working on a next generation of the material to further improve its intrinsic properties.”

“We imagine that you could one day deploy an array of these panels, and the footprint is very small because they are all vertical,” says Zhao, who has plans to further test the panels in many resource-limited regions. “Then you could have many panels together, collecting water all the time, at household scale.”

— This work was supported, in part, by the MIT J-WAFS Water and Food Seed Grant, the MIT-Chinese University of Hong Kong collaborative research program, and the UM6P-MIT Collaborative Research Program.

[adypy-00]

The Rise of MBA in Fintech

Anyone who claims that digital transformation isn’t influencing business education is likely misguided. Fields such as e-commerce, marketing, communication, finance, and sales are integral components of business education. Without incorporating these subjects, business education would be incomplete. The growing popularity of MBA programs in Fintech underscores this trend, offering students a cutting-edge pathway in the industry.

Business education centers on providing products and services that meet customer expectations and drive sales. With the rapid advancement of digital transformation, the fintech sector has experienced significant growth over the past decade, fundamentally changing how businesses operate, manage finances, and influence the global economy. As the fintech industry expands, the demand for professionals who grasp the technological innovations behind this revolution is also on the rise.

Thus an MBA Fintech course is designed to make the next generation of business leaders for a Fintech future. Let us look in detail at the Rise of MBA in Fintech.

The Evolution of Fintech Education

Fintech is a niche within financial services, it improves the delivery and use of financial services through technology. The digital transformation has swept across industries and fintech grew rapidly, becoming a part of modern finance. Thus there was a need for the evolution of an educational program to bridge this gap and fintech began as a niche area within financial services.

Institutes and business schools around the world realized this gap and responded by integrating Fintech into their syllabus. What started as a few elective courses in digital finance or blockchain technology has now evolved into a full-fledged degree program, including an MBA in Fintech. These programs are made to equip students with the knowledge and skills required to thrive in an industry that is dynamic and complex.

MBA Fintech Course: Challenges and Considerations

The job market for Fintech students is growing rapidly, with organizations across sectors seeking leaders to navigate the meeting of business strategy and technological innovation. An MBA Fintech Course is prepared to meet the demand by enabling students with a unique blend of skills that are needed in today’s business environment.

The MBA program prepares students not only for leadership roles within Fintech organizations but also for positions in financial institutions, and tech companies that are integrating Fintech into their operations. An MBA in fintech covers all areas that deal with finance and builds an understanding of innovative technologies like AI, IoT, Blockchain, Cloud computing, and Data Analytics along with their application in finance.

This helps professionals build industry-relevant skills and more employment opportunities than an MBA degree in any other field. The subjects covered in an MBA Fintech course are tailored to meet the industry’s evolving demands. They show a broad spectrum, including financial technology, blockchain applications, digital banking, data analytics, and regulatory compliance. Thus the need of the hour here is to competitive advantage in the job market.

Career Opportunities for MBA in Fintech Graduates

MBA alumni specializing in Fintech are in high demand in the global jobs market. In Europe alone, there were 40,000 FinTech companies, with 8,000 job openings in 2021. The opportunities range from start-ups to MNCs, and require a comprehensive skill set from finance, investment, and cutting-edge technologies like AI, IoT, data analytics, cloud computing, and more.

Among the opportunities for an MBA with FinTech expertise:

Product Manager: A mastery of financial and technological trends makes sure to create innovative products that transform industries.

Business Analyst: FinTech specialized MBA graduates will have the ability to harness technologies and ensure that business strategies align with market dynamics.

Quantitative Analyst: An MBA alumni has developed the skills needed to leverage data analytics and model techniques to evaluate risk, predict market trends, and optimize strategies.

Regulation Specialist: As the FinTech navigates new policies and risks specialized professionals are essential. FinTech MBA students give a new perspective to risk management by combining financial knowledge with technology-driven vulnerabilities.

Strategists: With a special study in FinTech, these experts give a new perspective to businesses. They integrate digital innovation, insights, awareness of technological trends, driving growth, and establishing a sustainable presence.

MBAs in Fintech students are well-equipped for more senior roles spanning the corporate, banking, and non-banking sectors. Their expertise in finance makes them catalysts for innovation, disruption, as well strategic advancement within the FinTech landscape.

ADYPU offering Fintech Education

An MBA in Fintech remains a highly in-demand degree, with the complexities of the global financial landscape creating a strong demand for finance professionals. In short, choosing an MBA in Fintech college depends on one’s career aspirations and interests. It equips students with a unique blend of financial and technical expertise, keeping them at the forefront of the rapidly transforming fintech industry.

Lastly, an MBA in Fintech offers a more traditional approach to finance, serving careers in investment banking, and corporate finance. All this is only possible with a good institute that offers students the opportunity to pursue the path that fits best with the student’s goals. Here, Ajeenkya DY Patil University, Lohegaon Pune offers the best MBA in the Fintech program.

ADYPU’s MBA in Fintech program empowers students to embrace opportunities at the intersection of management and technology. It prepares students for real-world challenges in the syllabus that need a collaborative and problem-solving approach.

[jcmarchi]

2024 MIT Supply Chain Excellence Awards given to 35 undergraduates

New Post has been published on https://thedigitalinsider.com/2024-mit-supply-chain-excellence-awards-given-to-35-undergraduates/

2024 MIT Supply Chain Excellence Awards given to 35 undergraduates

The MIT Supply Chain Management Master’s Program has recognized 35 exceptional students from eight renowned undergraduate programs specializing in supply chain management and engineering across the United States.

Presented annually, the MIT Supply Chain Excellence Awards honor undergraduate students who have demonstrated outstanding talent in supply chain management or industrial engineering. These students originate from institutions that have partnered with the MIT Center for Transportation and Logistics’ Supply Chain Management master’s program to expand opportunities for graduate study and advance the field of supply chain and logistics.

In this year’s awards, the MIT SCM Master’s Program has provided over $900,000 in fellowship funding to 35 deserving recipients. These students come from respected schools like Arizona State University, the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Lehigh University, Michigan State University, Monterrey Institute of Technology and Higher Education in Mexico, Penn State University, Purdue University, and Texas A&M University.

Recipients can use their awards by applying to the MIT SCM program after gaining two to five years of professional experience post-graduation. The fellowship funds can be applied toward tuition fees for the SCM master’s program at MIT or at MIT Supply Chain and Logistics Excellence (SCALE) network centers in Spain, Malaysia, Luxembourg, or China.

Founded in 1973, MIT CTL is one of the world’s leading supply chain education and research centers. MIT CTL coordinates more than 100 supply chain research efforts across the MIT campus and around the globe. The center also educates students and corporate leaders in the essential principles of supply chain management and helps organizations to increase productivity and improve their environmental performance.

Founded in 1998 by the MIT CTL, MIT SCM attracts a diverse group of talented and motivated students from across the globe. Students work directly with researchers and industry experts on complex and challenging problems in all aspects of supply chain management. MIT SCM students propel their classroom and laboratory learning straight into industry. They graduate from our programs as thought leaders ready to engage in an international, highly competitive marketplace.

[mintycitrus]

[homkamiro]

He is so small. Just for one bite

[mudwerks]

Some guy put a 8750 horsepower engine on a school bus

amurica

[hellsquills]

Stanford has a lot of catching up to do about the last 30 years, so obviously he starts by the most important scientific discoveries of his home dimension.

He's absentmindedly reading a book on astrophysics when he comes across a theory he had never seen before:

The semi-perpetual mirror motion theory

The wording catches his eye. Apparently no one has figured out how to create perpetual motion in his home dimension yet. However, this new theory has nothing to envy; in short, it is a principle that allows energy to multiply itself in a contained and controlled way, and to cut its power without trouble, even if the energy surpasses that of nuclear fission.

It is incredibly clever, Stanford thinks. Truly a wonder of modern physics. He scoffs, thinking how much easier it would've been to keep the portal running smoothly if only that theory had existed in the early 80s. Maybe he should contact the author, they could surely have an interesting chat over some coffee—

Ford stops. He blinks a few times, incredulous. The text on the page doesn't change.

The semi-perpetual mirror motion theory, by Dr. Stanford Pines, PhD

(Or: Ford finds out that Stan didn't just follow the journal's instructions, but that he actually learned physics to such a degree that he formulated a theory that is now widely used)

[academicfever]

70/100

[puppetmaster13u]

Prompt 314

Danny has discovered something absolutely amazing. While he can’t cook for shit, he can? Actually bake? Really well? Must be those bonding sessions in Long Now with Clockwork making all those cookies and cakes and everything else. 

But? This means he can A, actually make himself food, and B, has somehow befriended several more ghosts, including his rogues. Apparently he gave off bedraggled cat vibes when covered in flour. Or they just enjoyed the cupcakes he’d made to look like them in a sleep deprived ferver. 

But hey, he even has a decent job while he’s in (online due to medical issues, officially) college at one of the local bakery-cafes. Which means he also gets free coffee, so that’s nice too. Just erm, he might’ve gotten in the habit of handing cookies or other baked goods to anyone trying to attack him.

Look, it’s how he befriended his rogues (Apparently Fright Knight, being the ghost of Autumn, enjoys pumpkin spice cookies, who knew?) and they even continue to visit too. 

So really, it’s not his fault that there’s several goonion (honestly Sam will be pleased to learn they’ve got a union) members who are now constantly coming to the bakery. And- okay is that another undead person? Have a cupcake. 

[solchle]

me when engie

[adypy-00]

Navigating the PhD Admissions Process: A Comprehensive Guide for Aspiring Scholars

Embarking on a PhD journey is a significant step towards becoming a thought leader and an expert in your chosen field. However, the path to securing a PhD position can be challenging, requiring meticulous preparation, thorough research, and a deep understanding of the admissions process. This guide aims to provide prospective students with a step-by-step approach to applying for a PhD program, along with practical tips on crafting a compelling personal statement and acing the interview.

Step 1: Identify Your Research Interests and Potential Supervisors

The first step in the PhD application process is to clearly define your research interests. A PhD is an advanced degree that allows you to delve deeply into a specialized area of study, with your research focus shaping the course of your academic career. Start by reflecting on the topics or questions that genuinely excite you. Consider the following:

What problems or issues in your field intrigue you?

What gaps in existing research do you want to address?

What is your long-term career goal, and how will this research help you achieve it?

Once you have a clear research focus, the next step is to identify potential supervisors who are experts in your area of interest. Research faculty members at various universities, read their publications, and understand their research trajectory. A good supervisor is not just an expert in your field but also someone whose research philosophy aligns with yours.

Tip: Reach out to potential supervisors with a well-crafted email expressing your interest in their work and how it aligns with your research goals. This initial contact can significantly impact your application’s success.

Step 2: Research PhD Programs and Universities

After identifying potential supervisors, it’s time to research PhD programs and universities that offer the best environment for your research. Consider the following factors:

Reputation: Seek out universities recognized for their expertise in your area of study.

Resources: Ensure the university has the necessary research facilities, libraries, and funding opportunities to support your work.

Culture: Consider the academic culture and community, as these will significantly impact your experience as a PhD student.

Make a list of universities that match your criteria and review their application requirements and deadlines.

Tip: Attend open days, webinars, or virtual tours offered by universities to gain a deeper understanding of the programs and campus life.

Step 3: Prepare Your Application Materials

The application process typically involves submitting several documents, each of which plays a crucial role in your acceptance. Here’s how to approach each component:

1. Personal Statement:

Your personal statement is your opportunity to showcase your passion for research, your understanding of the field, and your motivation for pursuing a PhD. Here’s how to craft a impactful personal statement:

Start with a strong introduction: Briefly introduce yourself and your academic background, focusing on how your experiences have shaped your research interests.

Explain your research interests: Clearly outline the research questions you wish to explore, why they are important, and how you plan to address them. Showcase your knowledge of the current research landscape in your field.

Discuss your fit with the program: Highlight why you have chosen this particular program and university. Mention specific faculty members you wish to work with and how their expertise aligns with your research goals.

Showcase your skills and experience: Provide examples of your previous research experience, skills, and academic achievements that make you a strong candidate for the PhD program.

Conclude with your career aspirations: End your statement by discussing your long-term career goals and how the PhD will help you achieve them.

2. Academic CV:

Your academic CV should offer a clear summary of your academic accomplishments, research background, publications, presentations, and any pertinent work experience. Make sure it is well-organized and easy to read.

3. Letters of Recommendation:

Choose recommenders who are familiar with your academic work and can speak to your potential as a researcher. Provide them with enough time and information to write a strong letter on your behalf.

4. Writing Sample:

Some programs may require a writing sample. Choose a piece of work that best showcases your ability to conduct research and articulate your ideas clearly.

Step 4: Prepare for the Entrance Examination

Many PhD programs require candidates to pass an entrance examination. This exam typically assesses your subject knowledge, research aptitude, and critical thinking skills. To prepare:

Review the syllabus and format: Understand the topics covered and the structure of the exam.

Practice with past papers: If available, practice with past exam papers to familiarize yourself with the type of questions asked.

Focus on key concepts: Ensure you have a strong grasp of the fundamental concepts in your field.

Step 5: Prepare for the Interview

After successfully clearing the entrance examination, the next step is the interview. The PhD interview is your chance to demonstrate your suitability for the program and your potential as a researcher. Here’s how to prepare:

Know your research proposal inside out: Be ready to discuss your research interests, methodology, and potential challenges in detail.

Understand your potential supervisor’s work: Be prepared to discuss how your research aligns with their work and how you can contribute to their ongoing projects.

Practice common interview questions: Consider questions such as “Why do you want to pursue a PhD?” and “What qualities make you a strong candidate for this program?”

Prepare questions for the interviewers: Ask insightful questions about the program, research opportunities, and university resources.

Applying for a PhD program at Ajeenkya DY Patil University is a demanding but rewarding process that requires careful planning, preparation, thorough research, and a deep commitment to your academic goals to enhance your chances of success. Remember, your application is not just a reflection of your academic achievements but also your passion for research and your potential to contribute to your chosen field. By following these steps and tips, you can navigate the PhD admissions process with confidence and take the first step toward a fulfilling academic journey at ADYPU.

Remember, persistence and passion are key — stay focused on your goals, and the journey will be worth it. Good luck, and we look forward to welcoming you to the ADYPU community!

[acquired-stardust]

Bubblegum Crash! 1991 TurboGrafix-16/PC Engine

[temporarytemporal]

my dress up doll

[jcmarchi]

School of Engineering fourth quarter 2024 awards

New Post has been published on https://thedigitalinsider.com/school-of-engineering-fourth-quarter-2024-awards/

School of Engineering fourth quarter 2024 awards

Faculty and researchers across MIT’s School of Engineering receive many awards in recognition of their scholarship, service, and overall excellence. The School of Engineering periodically recognizes their achievements by highlighting the honors, prizes, and medals won by faculty and research scientists working in our academic departments, labs, and centers.

[bacchuschucklefuck]

space sweepers but they're delivery people and are at no point on screen through the entire movie