Koch Institute

2019 Science Slam participants, hosts, and judges (left to right): Jay Thangappan, Tyler Smith, Darren Parker, Rebecca Silberman, Arish Shah, Sophia Xu, Monika Avello, Jasmin Imran Alsous, John Pham, Lindsey Backman, Emma Kowal, Ari Daniel, Vivian Siegel, and Mary Carmichael.

Department of Biology hosts second annual Science Slam

Eight biology contestants get one slide and three minutes to explain their research and impress their listeners.

April 29, 2019

MIT engineers have designed a magnetic microrobot that can help push drug-delivery particles into tumor tissue (left). They also employed swarms of naturally magnetic bacteria to achieve the same effect (right).

Nanoparticles take a fantastic, magnetic voyage

Tiny robots powered by magnetic fields could help drug-delivery nanoparticles reach their targets.

April 26, 2019

Researchers at MIT and MGH have developed an image-guided surgical system that could help surgeons better visualize and remove tiny ovarian tumors. Fluorescent carbon nanotubes are used as probes to bind to the tumors, making them easier to see.

Imaging system helps surgeons remove tiny ovarian tumors

More effective surgery could boost survival rates for ovarian cancer.

April 23, 2019

Pancreatic cancer cells (nuclei in blue) growing as a sphere encased in membranes (red). By growing cancer cells in the lab, researchers can study factors that promote and prevent the formation of deadly tumors.

The fluid that feeds tumor cells

The substance that bathes tumors in the body is quite different from the medium used to grow cancer cells in the lab, biologists report.

April 16, 2019

Picower Professor Li-Huei Tsai (standing), co-director of the Alana Down Syndrome Center, reviews data in the lab with Senior Alana Fellow Hiruy Meharena.

Alana gift to MIT launches Down syndrome research center, technology program for disabilities

Foundation’s $28.6 million gift will fund science, innovation, and education to advance understanding, ability, and inclusion.

March 20, 2019

MIT senior and Churchill Scholar Meena Chakraborty

Meenakshi Chakraborty named 2019 Churchill Scholar

Senior majoring in computer science and molecular biology will pursue an MPhil at Cambridge University.

March 15, 2019

MIT researchers have discovered a way to manipulate the interactions of the proteins Myc and Max, which regulate gene transcription. At left, Myc interacts with Max, at center, Max is alone, at right, two molecules of Max.

A new approach to drugging a difficult cancer target

Study suggests an alternative way to treat tumors that are dependent on the cancer-promoting Myc protein.

March 14, 2019

Most pills and capsules, whether over-the-counter or prescription, include components other than the actual drug. A new study shows those components are made of ingredients that can cause allergic reactions or irritations in certain patients.

“Inactive” ingredients may not be, study finds

Most pills contain compounds with potential to cause allergic reactions or discomfort in some patients.

March 13, 2019

A representative prototype of a gastric resident device researchers have created to slowly release antibiotics in a patient's stomach over time.

Reducing the burden of tuberculosis treatment

Drug delivery system would allow patients to switch from daily to monthly doses.

March 13, 2019

MIT researchers have devised a way to simultaneously image in multiple wavelengths of near-infrared light, allowing them to determine the depth of particles emitting different wavelengths.

New optical imaging system could be deployed to find tiny tumors

Near-infrared technology pinpoints fluorescent probes deep within living tissue; may be used to detect cancer earlier.

March 7, 2019

MIT researchers have developed an engineered liver tissue model that can be manipulated with RNA interference (RNAi).

Tissue model reveals how RNA will act on the liver

Studies could speed the development of new treatments for liver disease.

March 5, 2019

MIT researchers are testing encapsulated pancreatic islet cells as a possible treatment for diabetes. These 1.5 mm capsules are embedded with a fluorine-containing compound that allows the researchers to monitor their oxygen levels with MRI once implanted in the body.

Oxygen-tracking method could improve diabetes treatment

Measurements could help scientists develop better designs for a bioartificial pancreas.

February 25, 2019

Angela Belcher, the James Mason Crafts Professor of Biological Engineering and Materials Science and Engineering at MIT, has been named the new head of the Department of Biological Engineering, effective July 1, 2019.

Angela Belcher named head of the Department of Biological Engineering

Biomedical engineering and energy expert to succeed Doug Lauffenburger; with her appointment, half of MIT engineering departments will be headed by women.

February 25, 2019

Committed to service and science

When senior Julia Ginder isn’t investigating the mystery of her own allergies, she’s volunteering to help young people reach their goals.

February 24, 2019

MIT researchers have come up with a way to use acoustic waves to noninvasively measure the stiffness of living cells.

Acoustic waves can monitor stiffness of living cells

Technique sheds light on cells’ health and development; may be useful for precision medicine.

February 11, 2019

MIT News | Massachusetts Institute of Technology

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