New CRISPR-based map ties every human gene to its function
Jonathan Weissman and collaborators used their single-cell sequencing tool Perturb-seq on every expressed gene in the human genome, linking each to its job in the cell.
SMART researchers enable early-stage detection of microbial contamination in cell therapy
Rapid and accurate analytical test method enhances the production of high-quality cell therapy products.
Convenience-sized RNA editing
MIT neuroscientists expand CRISPR toolkit with new, compact Cas7-11 enzyme.
Toward customizable timber, grown in a lab
Researchers show they can control the properties of lab-grown plant material, which could enable the production of wood products with little waste.
Lindsay Case and Guangyu Robert Yang named 2022 Searle Scholars
MIT cell biologist and computational neuroscientist recognized for their innovative research contributions.
Study finds cells take out the trash before they divide
Cells may use this strategy to clear out toxic byproducts and give their offspring a clean slate.
Tracing a cancer’s family tree to its roots reveals how tumors grow
Family trees of lung cancer cells reveal how cancer evolves from its earliest stages to an aggressive form capable of spreading throughout the body.
New computational tool predicts cell fates and genetic perturbations
The technique can help predict a cell’s path over time, such as what type of cell it will become.
Probing how proteins pair up inside cells
MIT biologists drilled down into how proteins recognize and bind to one another, informing drug treatments for cancer.
Peeking into a chrysalis, videos reveal growth of butterfly wing scales
The findings could inform the design of new materials such as iridescent windows or waterproof textiles.
Investigating pathogens and their life cycles, for the benefit of society
Senior Desmond Edwards has an insatiable curiosity about how the human body works — and how diseases stop it from working.
For stem cells, bigger doesn’t mean better
MIT biologists show that enlargement of blood stem cells restricts their ability to generate new blood cells during aging.
Hunting a “Jekyll-and-Hyde” molecule
A screening method developed by MIT researchers targets hydrogen peroxide in the search for new cancer therapeutics.
Solid, liquid, or gas? Technique quickly identifies physical state of tissues and tumors
The method could be a route to quicker, less invasive cancer diagnoses.
Cellular environments shape molecular architecture
Researchers glean a more complete picture of a structure called the nuclear pore complex by studying it directly inside cells.