Microbiome genes on the move
Largest metagenomic view of the developing world uncovers “mobile genes” that reveal how culture shapes the human microbiome.
Gene circuits in live cells can perform complex computations
Technique combines analogue and digital processes in engineered cells.
Teamwork enables bacterial survival
Strains of E. coli resistant to one antibiotic can protect other bacteria growing nearby.
3 Questions: Amit Kumar and Gregory Stephanopoulos on turning waste gases into biofuels
Research conducted by Kumar, along with a team led by Professor Greg Stephanopoulos, looks to the future of emissions reduction and recycling.
Biobarrier explorer and dark matter theorist win MIT’s prestigious junior faculty award
Katharina Ribbeck and Jesse Thaler named recipients of the Harold E. Edgerton Award.
Reprogramming gut bacteria as “living therapeutics”
Daily doses of synthetic biotics developed by startup Synologic may sense, treat metabolic diseases.
A programming language for living cells
New language lets researchers design novel biological circuits.
Breaking through the bacteria barrier
New microfluidic device may speed up DNA insertion in bacteria, the first step in genetic engineering.
A living, breathing textile aims to enhance athletic performance
Researchers in the Media Lab's bioLogic group have created a new form of performance fabric that combines biomaterials research with textile design.
How severe maternal inflammation can lead to autism-like behavior
Immune molecules in infected mothers tied to brain and behavior abnormalities in offspring.
Study reveals shared behavior of microbes and electrons
Bacteria streaming through a lattice behave like electrons in a magnetic material.
“Kill switches” shut down engineered bacteria
Synthetic biology technique could make it safer to put engineered microbes to work outside the lab.
Reprogramming biology
Biological engineer James Collins designs genetic circuits with novel functions.
Microbe sleuth
Tanja Bosak examines how life and the Earth evolved in tandem during their early history together.
Viruses join fight against harmful bacteria
Engineered viruses could combat human disease and improve food safety.