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.
Out of sight and out of mind, sewage can actually tell us a lot about health
PhD student Mariana Matus studies human waste to understand individual and community health.
Protein found to play a key role in blocking pathogen survival
Calprotectin fends off microbial invaders by limiting access to iron, an important nutrient.
Pneumonia found to harm DNA in lung cells
Hydrogen peroxide produced by some bacteria causes DNA double-strand breaks, cell suicide.
Biology professor Michael Laub named a Howard Hughes Medical Institute investigator
Five-year appointment will support research on how cells regulate their behavior in response to an external environment.
New interdisciplinary center at MIT to focus on the microbiome and human health
Partnership with MGH, other institutions to foster regional ecosystem for rapidly evolving field.