Broad Institute

These cross-sections of the thalamic reticular nucleus (TRN) show two distinct populations of neurons, labeled in purple and green. A team of researchers from MIT and the Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard has now mapped the TRN in unprecedented detail.

Mapping the brain’s sensory gatekeeper

New analysis could help uncover potential drug targets for attention deficits and sensory hypersensitivity.

July 22, 2020

MIT neuroscientists have linked the vulnerability of neurons in Hungtington's disease to the release of mitochondrial RNA and an associated immune system response. In this image, on the right are neurons from a Huntington's model mouse showing much more PKR (a marker of immune response to mitochondrial RNA) in green than neurons on the left, which are from a healthy mouse.

Neural vulnerability in Huntington’s disease tied to release of mitochondrial RNA

Unique survey of gene expression by cell type in humans and mice reveals several deficits affecting the most vulnerable neurons.

July 21, 2020

By folding DNA into a virus-like structure, MIT researchers have designed HIV-like particles that provoke a strong immune response from human immune cells grown in a lab dish.

Engineers use “DNA origami” to identify vaccine design rules

In lab tests, virus-like DNA structures coated with viral proteins provoke a strong immune response in human B cells.

June 29, 2020

The startup ClosedLoop.ai, co-founded by an MIT alumnus, is using a platform of AI models to help hospitals make predictions based on their patient data.

Bringing the predictive power of artificial intelligence to health care

The startup ClosedLoop has created a platform of predictive models to help organizations improve patient care.

June 18, 2020

Researchers are studying the role of the immune system molecule IL-6 in Huntington's disease, which leads to neurodegeneration in a region of the brain called the striatum. In this figure from a prior study, green staining highlights Stat3 in the striatum. Stat3 is a major transducer of IL-6 signaling.

Research highlights immune molecule’s complex role in Huntington’s disease

Knocking out the immune cytokine IL-6 exacerbates symptoms in HD model mice, affects neural connection genes.

June 8, 2020

MIT scientists have identified a potential new strategy for treating Fragile X syndrome, a disorder that is the leading heritable cause of intellectual disability and autism. The team includes, from left–right: Amanda Coranado, Arnold Heynen, Mark Bear, Rebecca Senter, Laura Stoppel, and Patrick McCamphill.

Scientists find a new way to reverse symptoms of Fragile X

Drug compound, tested in mice, could be effective in treating the leading heritable cause of intellectual disability and autism.

May 20, 2020

Clockwise from upper left: Angela Belcher, Bruce Walker, Jianzhu Chen, Feng Zhang, Siqi Zheng, and Lee Gehrke

Six from MIT awarded research funding to address Covid-19

Multi-institutional MassCPR initiative announces more than $16.5 million to support 62 Boston-area projects.

May 19, 2020

Results of the STOPCovid test appear as a single or double line on a paper strip akin to a pregnancy test. In this photo, test strips showing a single line (left panel) indicate no infection. Test strips revealing double lines (right panel) indicate the presence of the virus.

SHERLOCK-based one-step test provides rapid and sensitive Covid-19 detection

New CRISPR-based research tool delivers results in an hour; researchers share protocol and kits to advance research and move toward clinical validation.

May 5, 2020

Abhijit Banerjee, Bonnie Berger, and Roger Summons (left to right) are new members of the National Academy of Sciences.

Three from MIT elected to the National Academy of Sciences for 2020

Faculty members Abhijit Banerjee, Bonnie Berger, and Roger Summons elected by peers for outstanding contributions to research.

May 1, 2020

Photograph of the microwell CARMEN chip.

CRISPR-based diagnostic chips perform thousands of tests simultaneously to detect viruses

Diagnostic platform CARMEN combines microfluidics with CRISPR-based detection technology SHERLOCK, and could one day be used for public health efforts.

April 29, 2020