Ed Boyden receives 2018 Canada Gairdner International Award
MIT scientist is among three recognized for the discovery of optogenetics.
Department
Biological Engineering
Featured video: Magical Bob
A fascination with magic leads Institute Professor Robert Langer to solve world problems using the marvels of chemical engineering.
“Body on a chip” could improve drug evaluation
Human tissue samples linked by microfluidic channels replicate interactions of multiple organs.
New study solves an arthritis drug mystery
MIT biological engineers discover why a promising drug failed in clinical trials.
Edward Boyden named inaugural Y. Eva Tan Professor in Neurotechnology
Neuroengineering leader appointed to new professorship at the McGovern Institute for Brain Research.
Timothy Lu seeks to combat disease by reprogramming biological systems
Synthetic biologist hopes to develop treatments for cancer and other diseases.
Seeing the brain's electrical activity
Fluorescent sensor allows imaging of neurons' electrical communications, without electrodes.
![According to Corban Swain, a first-year PhD student in biological engineering, a great headshot relies on fine facial details and angles of light: “Fifty-plus percent is just forming a connection with the person … just to break the tension. [Then there are] angular things, where you put the light, the shoulders, a head tilt. You know when photographers do that? They’re actually doing stuff!...](/sites/default/files/styles/term_page__news_article/public/images/201802/MIT-Profile-Swain.jpg?itok=9MTlBw20)
Exploring his depth of field
Photographer, poet, and PhD student in biological engineering Corban Swain pursues diverse interests with a keen eye.
Four MIT faculty elected to the National Academy of Engineering for 2018
New members have made advances in the development of plasticity, novel genetic evolution methods, systems modeling, and clean energy.
Researchers advance CRISPR-based tool for diagnosing disease
With SHERLOCK, a strip of paper can now indicate presence of pathogens, tumor DNA, or any genetic signature of interest.
Fine-tuning cancer medicine
New cancer research initiative eyes individualized treatment for patients.
Polina Anikeeva and Feng Zhang awarded 2018 Vilcek Prize
Prize recognizes contributions to biomedical research made by immigrant scientists.
Microbial communities demonstrate high turnover
New research provides insight into the behavior of microbial communities in the ocean.
School of Engineering fourth quarter 2017 awards
Faculty members were recognized for excellence via a diverse array of honors, grants, and prizes over the last quarter.
Celebrating a decade of interdisciplinary microbiology
The Microbiology Graduate PhD Program spans 50 labs across 10 departments and divisions, offering a broad approach to microbial science and engineering.