A new computational framework illuminates the hidden ecology of diseased tissues
The MESA method uses ecological theory to map cellular diversity and spatial patterns in tissues, offering new insights into disease progression.
Novel method detects microbial contamination in cell cultures
Ultraviolet light “fingerprints” on cell cultures and machine learning can provide a definitive yes/no contamination assessment within 30 minutes.
Wearable device tracks individual cells in the bloodstream in real time
The technology, which achieves single-cell resolution, could help in continuous, noninvasive patient assessment to guide medical treatments.
A brief history of expansion microscopy
Since an MIT team introduced expansion microscopy in 2015, the technique has powered the science behind kidney disease, plant seeds, the microbiome, Alzheimer’s, viruses, and more.
Restoring healthy gene expression with programmable therapeutics
CAMP4 Therapeutics is targeting regulatory RNA, whose role in gene expression was first described by co-founder and MIT Professor Richard Young.
MIT scientists engineer starfish cells to shape-shift in response to light
The research may enable the design of synthetic, light-activated cells for wound healing or drug delivery.
Artificial muscle flexes in multiple directions, offering a path to soft, wiggly robots
MIT engineers developed a way to grow artificial tissues that look and act like their natural counterparts.
MIT engineers turn skin cells directly into neurons for cell therapy
A new, highly efficient process for performing this conversion could make it easier to develop therapies for spinal cord injuries or diseases like ALS.
Seeing more in expansion microscopy
New methods light up lipid membranes and let researchers see sets of proteins inside cells with high resolution.
AI system predicts protein fragments that can bind to or inhibit a target
FragFold, developed by MIT Biology researchers, is a computational method with potential for impact on biological research and therapeutic applications.
AI model deciphers the code in proteins that tells them where to go
Whitehead Institute and CSAIL researchers created a machine-learning model to predict and generate protein localization, with implications for understanding and remedying disease.
Kingdoms collide as bacteria and cells form captivating connections
Studying the pathogen R. parkeri, researchers discovered the first evidence of extensive and stable interkingdom contacts between a pathogen and a eukaryotic organelle.
An abundant phytoplankton feeds a global network of marine microbes
New findings illuminate how Prochlorococcus’ nightly “cross-feeding” plays a role in regulating the ocean’s capacity to cycle and store carbon.
Tiny, wireless antennas use light to monitor cellular communication
As part of a high-resolution biosensing device without wires, the antennas could help researchers decode intricate electrical signals sent by cells.
Cellular traffic congestion in chronic diseases suggests new therapeutic targets
Chronic diseases like diabetes are prevalent, costly, and challenging to treat. A common denominator driving them may be a promising new therapeutic target.