Paying it forward + graphene switch + pollution and cognition

A quick electric pulse completely flips the material’s electronic properties, opening a route to ultrafast, brain-inspired, superconducting electronics.

In a new book, “Risky Business,” Amy Finkelstein examines the core issue of the insurance industry: Who gets to be a customer?

A study finds that even chess experts perform worse when air quality is lower, suggesting a negative effect on cognition.

Vincent Quan, co-executive director of J-PAL North America, details how new governors should rely on evidence when investing in government programs. “Governors should invest in programs that are most likely to improve the lives of their constituents,” writes Quan. “However, determining which programs work and which do not is far easier said than done. Not all programs work as intended.”

Boston Metal, an MIT startup, is developing technology aimed at decarbonizing steel production. “Boston Metal said it can eliminate all carbon dioxide from its steel production and hopes to ramp up production to millions of tons by 2026.”